Darkroom merges sound, motion and technology
THE award-winning Darkroom Contemporary has launched its new interdisciplinary performance project, In C I DOUBLE BILL, which merges sound, motion and technology in a series of innovative representations of new dance.
In C I DOUBLE BILL exists as dance performance merged with audio-visual experiences, while provoking questions on the search for human connection within a technologically consumed world.
They have been nominated for Best Contribution to Visual Arts, including Public Arts, by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport of the Western Cape.
Evolving from its ongoing campaigns to share dance with a broader audience, Darkroom Contemporary’s artistic director, Louise Coetzer, said their mission was to place dance at the centre of the urban, technologically driven landscape through In C.
“I approach dance-making as a medium for narrative and connection – that of the bodies within space, but also with the aim of connecting dance as an art form to the world outside the studio or theatre, and to other art forms.”
“In an age of digital media and mass visual overload, my interests stretch towards allowing dance to interact with unexpected fields, especially those which seemingly have little or no direct connection – maths, science, computer and digital technologies, physics and design,” said Coetzer
The group has been recognised for their innovative approach to presenting and reimagining dance theatre.
These performances will include space for audiences to experience the project’s interactive motion sensor installation – a sonic playground where everybody becomes a dance-maker and a composer, using their own motion to create unique soundscapes and movement phrases in real time.
Created in collaboration with some of Cape Town’s leading composers, musicians and designers, this double bill consists of two dynamic dance works by choreographer Louise Coetzer, clone and In C, both featuring live music.
This project is a continuation of Darkroom Contemporary’s mission of developing sustainable employment and skills development opportunities within the performing arts sector.
A series of collaborative performances, interactive installations, educational workshops and forum discussions have been set up as part of this event.
In C was staged as part of the 30th Dance Umbrella festival at the Dance Factory in Gauteng. In C I DOUBLE BILL then returned to Cape Town for a performance run at the Magnet Theatre last week.