Borderline

by
Synopsis

An experiment in movement theatre produced across two countries: Singapore's T.H.E Dance Company and New Zealand's Muscle Mouth, working in creative collaboration.

The word "borderline" typically brings to mind boundaries between nations of a geopolitical nature.

We draw lines and boxes to create structures based on logic, allowing us to make sense of the world in a rational manner. Yet, these borders are increasingly divisive - widening fault lines that stifle growth and the desire for new knowledge.

In this context, the production "Borderline" and its two new creations - Ross McCormack's Area² and Kuik Swee Boon's Vessel - reflect Man's complex relationship with our modern environment. A meditation on the individual's convictions vis a vis the collective in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

Area²
by Ross McCormack

Inspired by the complexities of visual artist David Altmejd, McCormack sculpts a multisensory vortex on stage with his highly theatrical and demanding choreography. Set upon the intuitive bodies of T. H. E's dancers, Area² divides space, creating an amplified zone that puts into question and conflict, ideas of territory and dimension. In this choreography, the performer is constantly found in a place of odds and presented as an inhabitant rather than a lyrical mover, attempting acts of dominance over benign objects and the spaces that these objects might occupy.

Vessel

by Kuik Swee Boon

Vessel is part of Kuik's deepening exploration of the "hollow body" - a movement philosophy and methodology that informs the current training of T.H.E's dancers, grounded by a sense of heightened self awareness. This lies in the ability of the dancer to let go of all that is unnecessary - metaphorically and literally - in order to discover a sense of space and freedom that then activates a process of dialogue.

Earlier iterations of the "hollow body" have been explored through inclusivity (Helix in progress, 2016) and the maxim, l'existence précède l'essence, translated as 'existence precedes essence' (Pure, 2016).
With Vessel, strength is the core premise: what it means for each dancer when the body, heart and mind are aligned as one in movement to reveal hidden depths of generosity and willpower.

World Premiere: June 2017, M1 CONTACT Contemporary Dance Festival 2017, Esplanade Theatre Studio, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore

Credits

Choreography
Ross McCormack (Area²); Kuik Swee Boon (Vessel) created in collaboration with the performers
Performers
Wu Mi, Kei Ushiroda, Anthea Seah, Brandon Khoo, Billy Keohavong, Lee Seulyi (apprentice)
Contribution to Movement Material
Chia Poh Hian
Lead Sound Artist & 'Live' Operator
Jason Wright
Sound Collaborator (Vessel) & Systems Design
Jing Ng
Lighting Design
Adrian Tan
Set Concept & Realisation
Ross McCormack
Prop Design, Concept & Realisation
Jason Wright, in collaboration with Ross McCormack & Kuik Swee Boon
Costumes
Ross McCormack

Media/Audience Quotes

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