NEW DANCE PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS CULTURE, GENDER & ETHNICITY

Leading Australian choreographer, Shaun Parker, is working with students from western Sydney Catholic Schools on a dance and theatre work titled The Yard, to be performed at the Seymour Centre from 26 to 28 May 2011.
The students are part of the Diocese of Parramatta’s creative and performing arts initiative, CAPTIVATE, and have been working with Shaun for over two years to develop this unique, gutsy and groundbreaking piece of professional theatre.
‘Through performance, diversity of race, gender, street culture and activity is explored,’ comments Shaun Parker. ‘We have tried to present the creative tension bubbling away in our suburban melting pots, and its reflections on our broader multicultural society.’
‘This has been one of the most uplifting and rewarding experiences of my artistic career,’ he continues. ‘These kids are raw, talented and truly exceptional artists.’
Drawing inspiration from William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, The Yard breathes new life into the interpretation of human behaviour. The Yard is set in a western Sydney school yard, depicting the daily reality of conflict and division, and ultimately finding unity in the diversity of culture, gender and ethnicity. The work presents both the tension and humour of life as experienced by these students.
Shaun has drawn on the cultural performance traditions of students for choreographic inspiration, with many from different cultural backgrounds, including newly arrived students from Sudan.
Team leader of CAPTIVATE, Mark Hopkins, said it is an incredible opportunity for the students to work in a professional setting with an outstanding choreographer.
‘This real world learning experience will enhance the students’ creative talents,’ said Mark. ‘It will also provide them with professional performance opportunities that allow them to utilise their creative potential.’
Set to an electro acoustic score by Nick Wales, the performance fuses hard hitting contemporary dance with break dance, locking and popping, tutting, krumping and jerking – forms of dance found on the streets and school yards of western Sydney.
Leading Australian choreographer, Shaun Parker, is working with students from western Sydney Catholic Schools on a dance and theatre work titled The Yard, to be performed at the Seymour Centre from 26 to 28 May 2011.
The students are part of the Diocese of Parramatta’s creative and performing arts initiative, CAPTIVATE, and have been working with Shaun for over two years to develop this unique, gutsy and groundbreaking piece of professional theatre.
‘Through performance, diversity of race, gender, street culture and activity is explored,’ comments Shaun Parker. ‘We have tried to present the creative tension bubbling away in our suburban melting pots, and its reflections on our broader multicultural society.’
‘This has been one of the most uplifting and rewarding experiences of my artistic career,’ he continues. ‘These kids are raw, talented and truly exceptional artists.’
Drawing inspiration from William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, The Yard breathes new life into the interpretation of human behaviour. The Yard is set in a western Sydney school yard, depicting the daily reality of conflict and division, and ultimately finding unity in the diversity of culture, gender and ethnicity. The work presents both the tension and humour of life as experienced by these students.
Shaun has drawn on the cultural performance traditions of students for choreographic inspiration, with many from different cultural backgrounds, including newly arrived students from Sudan.
Team leader of CAPTIVATE, Mark Hopkins, said it is an incredible opportunity for the students to work in a professional setting with an outstanding choreographer.
‘This real world learning experience will enhance the students’ creative talents,’ said Mark. ‘It will also provide them with professional performance opportunities that allow them to utilise their creative potential.’
Set to an electro acoustic score by Nick Wales, the performance fuses hard hitting contemporary dance with break dance, locking and popping, tutting, krumping and jerking – forms of dance found on the streets and school yards of western Sydney.
For bookings phone (02) 9351 7940 or visit www.seymourcentre.com