600 Seconds Moves is the second program in The Blue Room Theatre’s 600 Seconds series, focusing on performances created by body-based or movement artists. Curators and mentors James O’Hara and Sofie Burgoyne have helped refine five very different performances, each lasting just 10 minutes. The program is a testament to The Blue Room’s dedication to providing a space for artists to flourish while exposing audiences to diverse performances they might not otherwise experience.
The Scramble. Photography by Georgi Ivers.
The Scramble:
I’m somewhat partial to audiences being immersed immediately upon entering the theatre space, whether through a soundscape or, in this case, performers already on stage. This work, created by Shaun Johnston and performed by Nathan Turtur and Luther Wilson, explores the physicality and intimacy between men in wrestling or any contact sport. Nathan and Luther transition from high-intensity tackling to equally intense intimacy as they lock eyes and engage in softer movements with each other. Initially, what threw me off about this piece was the absence of music or any sound, but its lack made me question why I felt it needed that additional auditory element. As I listened to the performers grapple, grumble, and breathe, I realised that this was the only sound this piece needed, increasing our sense of proximity to the performers and enhancing the piece’s themes of touch and intimacy.
Moving Words. Photography by Georgi Ivers.
Moving Words:
Lara Dorling encourages the audience to draw and write anything they feel like as they watch her solo improvised piece. This intriguing performance sees Lara led by whatever words and movements come to her as she taps into her deepest thoughts. It was interesting to watch the audience respond to the prompt to engage by writing and drawing; some took it up immediately while others, like me, took a moment to get into it, as I didn’t want to take my eyes off the stage. Lara has a lightness and grace to her movements and matches this with her vocal abilities. Her curiosity for mixing mediums of performance and vulnerability on stage are admirable qualities.
The Mist. Photography by Georgi Ivers.
The Mist
The tight and highly considered lighting design is the first of many ‘wow’ moments in Jiarui Lin’s movement piece. Jiarui has an incredible ability to change the tone of the piece with just his facial expressions, without relying on sound or other design elements. He flies around the stage with an air of joy, humor, and very impressive technique. We feel absorbed into his world and equally taken out of it when it feels like the fourth wall is broken and suddenly Jiarui can see us. Also, I’ve never seen an apple look so enticing.
Risk pas de deux. Photography by Georgi Ivers.
Risk pas de deux
It feels bright when Patrick Gunaneskera takes the stage, bringing on a walker which becomes another character. The movement and structure of this piece are reminiscent of a silent film as Patrick interacts with this character in a gentle manner. We witness the two characters dance tentatively around one another, becoming more familiar and freer as the friendship progresses. However, when things abruptly change in their dynamic, that lightness departs, and a sombre tone sets in. Through movement alone, Patrick conveys a story and emotions to which we can all empathise.
Echoes of Expansion. Photography by Georgi Ivers.
Echoes of Expansion
A projected landscape lights up the back of the theatre, and performers Elsa Bignell and Meg Scheffers use their bodies to cast shadows onto the projection. The visuals and sounds bring us into a natural environment, while Elsa and Meg’s movements emulate evolving life forms. This duo expands their performance area, occupying all the walls and even the ceiling of the Blue Room Theatre as they cleverly use projection across the space. In their rectangular form, the projections almost look like windows into other spaces. Nothing is off-limits to Elsa and Meg as they use their bodies to become part of the world they’re building around us.
600 Seconds Moves is on now at The Blue Room Theatre through to Feb 10.