Here we are
Such n Such
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'Here we are' (2021), Such n Such. Photo by Angel Leggas.
Here We Are is an open, unscored performance that generates, develops, accumulates or discards emergent material. Framed only by the length of time they have to share the space with their audience, they dance with lighting and sound collaborators who have the freedom to irritate, interrupt, compliment or augment the implausible moment and its constant becoming. Such n Such thrive in uncertain conditions. Their long form duets are spontaneous compositions with dance and social dialogue as they negotiate complex themes ranging from the wildly imaginative to the autobiographical. It is the form of Improvisation-as-Performance that brings this unlikely duo together, a radical and risky way to compose and craft space and time, body and text, in the absolute present, without a safety net. Such n Such have a disarming humour that shifts surprisingly between vulnerable exposure and sharp witted observation.
Concept & Performance: Such n Such (Debra Batton & Catherine Magill)
Lighting & Sound collaborator: Spenser Inwood
Visual Art collaborator: Clara M.Y.Chan
Download Season One 2021 Program
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Such n Such extend their heartfelt thanks to the Dancehouse team for dealing with the ever-changing conditions for performance due to Covid and making this event possible. Their generous patience and dogged persistence is much valued and appreciated. Thanks also to all of our collaborators including visual artist Clara M.Y. Chan who has designed and made our costumes/installations, her trust and responsiveness while stepping into the unknown with us has been inspring. Thankyou Spenser Inwood, with assistance from Sharon Gruenert, for the surprises and support while improvising on lighting and sound. We thank Angel Leggas, Abi Li Zhen and Mishca Baka for their images and films respectively. For giving us some wonderful space in which to play in the lead up to the show, we thank Joey Lehrer and Emily Bowman for their workshop “Attending”. Our thanks also goes to our families, friends and fellow movers and the many wonderful ways they kept us nourished, supported and inspired during the tricky months of 2020.
Debra Batton has no loyalty to genre, she can be found in circus, theatre, dance, or on screen and the street. She currently performs with Such n Such, Batton & Broadway and A Good Catch. Debra has a long history in performance as director and performer including a decade as Artistic Director of Legs on the Wall. Debra enjoys sharing ideas and skills for devising performance and is currently doing her MA in Art in Public Space at RMIT.
Catherine Magill (BA Dance) focuses on the exploration and development of instant composition, spoken word and the embodied moment. Her practice is informed by Authentic Movement, Body Mind Centering and numerous dance techniques. A teacher of performance improvisation, pilates and contact improvisation she has taught in a variety of setting including Deakin University. Catherine has performed as a solo artist both on stage and in film, and curated and performed in numerous shared presentations.
Clara M.Y.Chan has worked and lived in Melbourne since the 90’s. Recently Clara quit her day job to concentrate on her art making journey while pursuing a Master degree in Art in Public Space (RMIT). She is interested in engaging everyday craft materials and artisanal techniques in art activism, in which “handmade” becomes a form of resistance. Social justice and environmental consciousness are issues that are close to her heart. Recently Clara has started to combine digital technology with textile to open up new possibilities within her practice.
Spenser Inwood trained and performed with the Flying Fruit Fly Circus (FFFC) encouraging her to build a strong foundation in circus skills and making her the multi-skilled acrobat and aerialist she is today. Spenser directed her first full work What Do I Want? in 2013. Circus Oz ensemble 2013—2017. In 2017 She embarked on the exciting journey of starting her own company A GooD Catch with Sharon Gruenert and Debra Batton. Their works include Casting Off and Bridges. Casting Off is a multi-award-winning show. She has come back to Circus Oz since starting A GooD Catch to be a part of the ensemble in Model Citizens and Precarious. Life has been on hold but she is still making new works with A GooD Catch.
