Choreographer Damien Ralphs found inspiration for this work while looking through photo albums. He was interested in the idea that what is captured in an image creates the basis of memory rather than actual events. As photos are usually taken of “happy” moments Ralphs was keen to explore the contrast of these constructed photographic memories with the more real and less happy memories that we all possess.

The performance opened with the small stage featuring white sheets that were used to project video and still images. As the lights came up and the projected images ceased, the sheets were used to create silhouette images of the dancers creating the effect that the pictures were coming to life. Starting off with simple but effective street-jazz moves, the dancers intermittently came together to form still poses that were “captured” by a bright flash-like light. A photograph of the dancers in the same pose was then projected onto the screen, a technique that continued throughout the duration of the piece.

Veteran electronic music guru DJ Trip provided the sound scape that moved from reflective, flowing samples to hard, pumping bass-lines with a cutting edge tech-house feel. The composition went hand in hand with the performance and was often the source of energy and motivation for the dancers.

About half way through the performance each dancer was given a solo opportunity. As they took to the floor pre-recorded audio played over the music of each of them talking about themselves and what motivates and inspires them. This was coupled with video footage of each dancer doing what they love in their homeland that spread from Larrakia to Kaurna country. A particular highlight during this sequence was the video projection of a dancer skateboarding onto his white singlet.

The finale overflowed with energy as the tempo jumped up a few notches and the dancers pounded out some well-choreographed krump style moves. This was a great note to end on as the crowd obviously felt the elation and energy of the performance. The only problem was the tiered seating in Tandanya cuts off half of the audience’s view of the stage; this is an issue that has marred Tandanya as a performing arts venue for some time. That said Kurruru have some strong talent in their ranks and are doing a great job in experimenting with technology in contemporary dance.

Image by Johilton licensed by Creative Commons