An Act of Now

Music Composition and live sound design for Chunky Move's dance production An Act of Now.
Received the Age Critics Award for best major new Australian work premiering at the Melbourne Festival.


On stage a glasshouse stands isolated – smoke its only visible inhabitant. In a moment of precise, dynamic movement, the veil of smoke is broken. Seven dancers fill the space, drawn to, yet confined by its boundaries. Who will lead? Who will follow? As the balance of power shifts, who will flourish, and ultimately, who will survive?

Originally conceived for and performed on Melbourne’s iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl stage, individuals watch and listen in on headphones as Van Dijk’s intense physical choreography unfolds within the glasshouse, creating a deeply immersive and intimate audience experience. An Act of Now is the third production in Van Dijk’s Mensch series – an ongoing investigation into site-specific work.

Presented in conjunction with Malthouse Theatre and as part of the 2013 Dance Massive Festival, Van Dijk transported her vigorous physical language to the Merlyn Theatre, exposing not only the dancers, but also the audience, to an experience that is exposing and revelatory.

Creative Team:
Concept & Choreography: Anouk van Dijk
Music composition and Sound Design: Marcel Wierckx
Costume Design: Anna Cordingley
Set Realisation: Michael Carr
Lighting Design: Niklas Pajanti
Production Manager: Michael Carr
Stage Manager/Production Assistant: Blair Hart

Performers:
Peter Cseri, Leif Helland, Stephanie Lake, Lauren Langlois, Alya Manzart, James Vu Anh Pham, Niharika Senapati, Nina Wollny, Additional Touring Performer Joel Bray

Awards:
The Age Critics Award For Best Major New Australian Work at the Melbourne Festival
2013 Green Room Award For Best Concept and Realisation
2013 Green Room Award For Best Ensemble
2013 Green Room For Best Design Niklas Pajanti (Lighting)