Amplification

A Car Crash of a Performance

And just like a car crash it was compulsive viewing. Amplification is a piece which explores and expands on the 1.6 seconds when your life flashes before your eyes after you realise you are going to crash, and the result of the crash. Abduction, hoods, torture, body bags – all part of a performance that was at times confronting.

Music and noise was “live”, supplied by turntables on a table on stage. This also contributed to the edgy feel of the performance – the rapid movements of the dancers often matched by the operator switching between turntables and other sources.

Costumes were simple and effective – grey tops and pants allowed the performers freedom of movement while allowing them to stand out from the white walls.

The set was a simple white wrap around cyclorama with a split upstage for entrances and exits, allowing the movement to be the focus.

The lighting was a departure from the conventional dance rig and at first appeared more stage dressing than practical.  Six sodium vapour highbays hung over the stage and the effect was eerie as the lights warmed up, changing colour temperature from a pink to a cold white. About 10 fluorescent tubes dangled at various angles along the prompt wall.  Two pair of Birdies (M16) mounted on the front edge of the stage were used at times to effectively uplight the dancers  - the resulting shadows added to the sense of unease.  The sudden appearance of a line of 3 fluorescent tubes swinging down from the grid to help create an interrogation scene was greeted with almost an audible recognition by the audience.  

A technical review by Shirley Jensen