Rite of Spring Creative Development
A$4,135
of $4,000 targetyrs ago
Successful on 4th Aug 2014 at 9:13PM.
WHAT:
A revolutionary work for a revolutionary time. The Second Echo Ensemble are embarking on our biggest and boldest project yet! Won't you help us to raise $6,000 to seed a 12 week creative development for a new devised performance based on Ivor Stravinsky's Rite of Spring?
Harvard University professor Thomas Kelly suggests that one of the reasons that the Paris premiere of “The Rite of Spring” created such a furore was that it shattered everyone’s expectations. 100 years on Stravinsky’s revolutionary ballet offers an incredible challenge and platform for the Second Echo Ensemble to continue to shatter their own expectations of themselves and confront the expectations of their audiences.
WHO:
The Second Echo Ensemble is an independent, integrated performance group which has been producing dynamic collaborative physical theatre works since 2005. It is a curiosity-driven ensemble that values and grows collaborative relationships, unique perspectives, and group devised physical theatre. The majority of the ensemble are under twenty-five, most of whom live with intellectual disabilities and have been members of the group since its inception.
Celebrated productions include:
If I Jumped, I’d Fly - Awakenings Festival in Victoria in October (2007)
This Much of Me (2008); Tasmanian Tour (2009)
The Company I Keep, (2010); toured to Tempo Dance Festival, Auckland (2012)
Branch Book Bench 2012; Peacock Theatre Hobart (check out the video of bench with choreography by Shapiro & Smith)
HOW:
Integration is at the heart of the ensemble’s goals. At the core of Second Echo is the ensemble of deviser/performers. The proportion of performers with a disability to those not identifying as having a disability is 2 to 1.
Goals and objectives
For the deviser/performers:
1. To raise the profile of integrated performance as an art form in Tasmania
2. To develop the artists’ skills and knowledge through interaction and workshops
3. To bring new artists into relationship with the ensemble
4. To introduce new young performers with a disability into the group
5. For older members of the ensemble to mentor new members
For the audience
1. Engage people with a particular interest in arts and disability
2. Attract young people interested in new and hybrid performance
3. Excite lovers of innovative and contemporary physical theatre
4. Encourage families, friends and extended community of participants to be involved
5. Break down stereotypes about disability
WHY:
We are duty bound to create work that all in our community has access to and that everyone can see their peers on stage. Being able to show people with disability the exciting opportunities that exist for them is a powerful tool.
We need your help to make this a reality for the artists and we are hoping to raise a total of $6,000 for the first stage of development, but of course more for the whole performance would be a great help.
Whatever you can give will be really appreciated. No amount is too small or too big.
Thanks to Art Tasmania, if we can raise $4000 in this campaign it will be matched by $2000 through their Crowbar initiative.
Kelly Drummond Cawthon
Kelly Drummond Cawthon: Passion For Dance
Kelly Drummond Cawthon was raised in Tasmania, Australia. After a childhood spent in acrobatics and musical theatre, she began her contemporary dance training in South Australia where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Adelaide and traveled to the United States to pursue an MFA degree in dance choreography and performance at Florida State University and an MA in Performance Studies at NYU. Her experiences as a professional in the worlds of dance and theatre span over twenty-five years of performance, choreography, directing, research and teaching.
She has performed with dance and theatre companies including Outlet Dance in Australia, and The New Dance Group, The Doris Humphrey Repertory Company, Joy Kellman, The Hudson Vagabond Puppeteers, Motion Pictures Dance Theater Inc. and most prominently, Shapiro & Smith Dance in the United States. Her work has been presented across the United States, in Canada, Europe, Bulgaria, Brazil, Russia, Uzbekistan, Australia and Korea; at International Dance Festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe, Off the Edge International Canada, Dance In A Suitcase Varna, American Dance Festival, and Florida Dance Festival; commissioned and produced by numerous College and University Programs; and presented across the globe using Internet 2 Digital Technology in venues such as the Global Super Computing Conference, Monaco International Dance Festival, Internet 2 Annual Conference and Si-Dance Korea.
Kelly is currently the Performing %20 Hybrid Arts Coordinator, and director of the SPACE dance program at Salamanca Arts Centre, Creative Producer and Teaching Artist in Residence for Kickstart Arts, and an independent performance artist. In 2012-2013 her creative work included collaborations with the Second Echo Ensemble, and at Kingston High School as an arts@work artist in residence.
Jason James has worked as a media designer for the performing and visual arts for more than ten years; creating designs principally for new works. His credits include Echo Part 1 - A neurological soundscape, IHOS Opera 2013, Hungry For You, Extended Play Projects, 2012, Death by Television, Hobart Pavement Projects and Tasmanian Theatre Company 2011, The Barbarians IHOS Opera, Love Terrapin Puppet Theatre, The Birds M.A.D.E., The Landing Party, SAC35 Salamanca Arts Centre, Death by Television Briony Kidd, Hieronymus Andrew Harper, ErrorInTime() Nancy Mauro-Flude, Tell Tales Bridget Nicklason-King, La Casa Di Signori Marrisa Mastrocola and Nigel Kellaway, The Gatekeeper Terrapin Puppet Theatre, The Company I Keep Second Echo Ensemble, Kimisis IHOS Opera, If I jumped I’d Fly Second Echo Ensemble and Valley of the Shadow of Death for Felicity Horsley.
Roz Wren is a freelance designer/maker, producer and teacher, specialising in costumes, sets, props, puppets and festival decorations, plus puppet making and arts workshops. Roz became involved in theatrical design and costume manufacture for Big Monkey (formerly Theatre Alfresco) 16 years ago and has been their principal designer/maker since then. She was the recipient of an Emerging Theatre Artists grant in 2000 and worked for Terrapin Puppet Theatre with mentor Greg Methe on The Dark at the top Of the Stairs and has subsequently worked on many of their shows, she co-designed 'Con Artists' and designed Explosion Therapy. Since then Roz has worked for every theatre company in Hobart in various capacities, from designer, to costume and puppet manufacture, set and prop construction, set painting, sculpting and teaching.
Laura Purcell practices across the disciplines of performance, dance, puppetry and visual art. She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in 2010, focusing on contemporary sculpture complimenting her Bachelor of Performing Arts (Theatre). Her artistic practice activates spaces, animates the inanimate and highlights artistic processes. She engages and entertain audiences in a variety of sites and situations which live in and beyond traditional performance spaces and explore her ideas through a broad range of mediums.
www.feminineartisticdesire.com
Bridget Nicholson-King has been performing professionally for 10 years. She began her career by studying a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts at Deakin University and launching her own independent performance company. She remains dedicated to being an active member of the Tasmanian contemporary dance community and is currently creating a new solo theatre show. She is proud to have been a member of the Second Echo Ensemble since 2008.
Rodrigo Diaz-Icasuriaga has performed as a musician for 17 years and has also played a supporting role in the Second Echo Ensemble since 2006. He has worked specifically alongside people with disabilities in various art disciplines including music and audio production, visual arts, photography and film making for the past 10 years. In that time he has worked as understudy to nearly all the members of the ensemble and has assisted in the creation and touring of all their shows. "Being part of the Second Echo Ensemble has been an amazing journey to say the least. Through this time I have developed an incredible bond with its members and have rejoyced in the growth of not only the individuals but the ensemble as a whole. There's something special about this group that is beyond words."
Charlie Smith
Ever since I joined SEE I was quite happy and I wanted to do more of it , because I think I've learned more since then than when I first started. I remember back to the show "If I Jumped I'd Fly" when we went into a cocoon and came out as a butterfly, it was since then that I started to get into theatre. I was shy at first, but then I fell in love with it. Going on tour made me become more independent and do things I didn't know I could do. From being in SEE I've wanted to go even further and have started thinking about joining Cooper Screen Academy to experience new things and maybe one day be in films.
David Montgomery
I’ve been in 2nd Echo Ensemble since it began. Its the best part of me. Each year we work at creating a story that says something about us and other people too. It makes me look at my life, the way we all act. I grow! I learn. The Second Echo ensemble has given me a chance to dance and act on stage in some excellent plays for audiences in Tasmania, Victoria and NewZealand I love touring with the ensemble. It gives me a chance to be seen dancing or expressing myself. Being able to be part of a company of actors performing well. It is encouraging and important for other people (especially children) with disabilities. I want teachers, friends, family and total strangers to see I have an exciting life to be lived fully even though I have Down's Syndrome. Being in such great company is a privilege and fun. I love every part of this experience and hope to continue.
Alexandra Morris-Baguley
I was the only girl in Second Echo when it first started but now there are more girls it is better. I really love being in Second Echo as I love to act, to dance, to perform. I have really enjoyed working with the various directors, particularly Fin and Kelly. The group is such a great bunch of guys and travelling with them to put on a show is really fun. My most memorable moments are going to the Awakenings Festival in Horsham, Victoria and going to New Zealand to perform ‘The Company I Keep’ and watch Touch Compass in action.
Alastair Webber
Being a part of second echo has given me a chance to experience what its like to be a performer and to perform on stage. At first i found it a challenge and quite nerve racking, at times it can be stressful, tiring(especially during performances) and also quite enjoyable. Over the years I've gotten better and learnt heaps of new things. these days i find it quite easy to perform and enjoy it more and more every year.
Josh Timbs
I like being in Second Echo because its fun and I’ve met some great people who have become friends. I feel that we have come a long way and we have all come out of our shell. I have learnt to be myself and to say what I feel and it makes me happy to see everyone having fun.
William Webster
Why I like to be part of Second Echo:
I always like to be part of a big group with my friends from Tas Theatre
I like having a part to play in a big group - It is like a team
I like to work with Bryony Geeves in "The Book of Hamlet"
I like the way she performed
Aidan Chick
It’s good being with people I know. I like doing things in front of all people [crowds].
It is good have the mixed abilities as can make all sorts of friends. People like Kelly and Bridget help me. I liked doing the Bench performance. I have learnt to listen. Do acting and dancing. Have a go at new things. Showing people what me and my friends can do. Makes me good [confident] to try new things. I feel happy as like dance with people who help me. I feel proud when people clap. I want to do more and learn more. It’s good.
Elise Romazsko
When I started Second Echo Ensemble I joined in the production of 'The Company I Keep'.
I feel Second Echo is gives young actors lots of opportunities to be creative. Personally I think and feel that my mind and body are opened up and filled full of wonderful amazing ideas. I can share my imagination and feelings with others. I can belong to Second Echo and feel like we are one big family. By being closely connected together we create something inspiring and full of imagination. Being in Second Echo for me is also about commitment and reaching high standards.
Kai Jenkins
What I like about Second Echo is?
Learning new dances, working together as a group and helping others.
The seed for Second Echo was sewn when Cosmos Recreation Services was funded by the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services (Disability Services) to pilot a theatre/performance group for young people with an intellectual disability .
Internationally acclaimed Tasmanian writer Finegan Kruckemeyer further developed the concept into an integrated performance ensemble in a partnership with Cosmos and Is Theatre (now Tasmanian Theatre Company) and convened the Second Echo Ensemble to develop a performance piece for the 2006 Amalgamation Festival in Hobart. As the only group of its kind in Tasmania, Second Echo Ensemble were invited to represent Tasmania at the Awakenings Festival in Victoria in October 2007. Since then the company have created six full length works. Two of these have toured Tasmania, one has toured to Victoria and Finegan’s last work with the Company toured to New Zealand.
Branch Book Bench
Second Echo Ensemble
Peacock Theatre, Salamanca Arts Centre
15-16 May
Reviewed by Lesley Graham
Showing increasing confidence, this group of performers, with and without disabilities, presents three very different works in this program. Branch, directed by Sarah Duffus is an exploration of connections. Various interpretations of the theme allude to personal experiences, to family and friendships; things we can and cant do without and to our sense of place. Kai Jenkins, Esse Kruckenmeyer Charlie Smith and Alaistair Webber manipulate branches, which are used as a metaphor for contact and communication, both given and broken. Emerging from the protection of others, each performer gives us glimpses of their private life their hopes and moments of wonder.
In Book, Guy Hooper has worked closely with Will Webster and Bryony Geeves to develop a physical comedy, which begins in a delightful play with simple props and leads to a series of emotional responses. Predictable patterns are then broken with unexpected delights and discoveries. With paper props, a story forms to the accompaniment of Phillip Glass emphasizing the strength of the sentiment: This above all else: to thine own self be true.
With the final work Bench, directed by Kelly Drummond Cawthorn, Second Echo has taken a real risk and it has paid off in bucket loads. This challengingly physical piece is a section of a longer work originally choreographed by Dan Shapiro and Joanie Smith. Josh Timbs immediately shows a strength and fluidity, which develops with each performance and his capability in supporting others. Sliding under over and through simple props the cast of Aiden Chick, Dave Montgomery, Alexandria Morris Baguley, Bridget Nicklayson King and Elise Romaszko show confidence in working with each other, taking weight and retaining the details of the constantly shifting relationships in this mesmerizing piece.
“As a direct support service to members of the ensemble with a disability we have seen each member of the group develop and mature into young adults who, through being part of the ensemble, have far more confidence, self-esteem, social skills and sense of responsibility. Through the numerous workshops they held while on tour they were able to support and share their skills, knowledge and passion for performing with other young people with disability. Family members of the young people in the group with disabilities state how much an impact the opportunity of being part of the ensemble and touring has had on their son/daughter. The friendships, support, encouragement, personal growth and fun they experienced flows over into other areas of each young person’s life.
Finally, the impact that a group like the Second Echo Ensemble can have on educating the broader community is something that cannot be understated.”
Anne McKinstray, former Cosmos Manager
A revolutionary work for a revolutionary time. The Second Echo Ensemble are embarking on our biggest and boldest project yet! Won't you help us to raise $6,000 to seed a 12 week creative development for a new devised performance based on Ivor Stravinsky's Rite of Spring?
Harvard University professor Thomas Kelly suggests that one of the reasons that the Paris premiere of “The Rite of Spring” created such a furore was that it shattered everyone’s expectations. 100 years on Stravinsky’s revolutionary ballet offers an incredible challenge and platform for the Second Echo Ensemble to continue to shatter their own expectations of themselves and confront the expectations of their audiences.
WHO:
The Second Echo Ensemble is an independent, integrated performance group which has been producing dynamic collaborative physical theatre works since 2005. It is a curiosity-driven ensemble that values and grows collaborative relationships, unique perspectives, and group devised physical theatre. The majority of the ensemble are under twenty-five, most of whom live with intellectual disabilities and have been members of the group since its inception.
Celebrated productions include:
If I Jumped, I’d Fly - Awakenings Festival in Victoria in October (2007)
This Much of Me (2008); Tasmanian Tour (2009)
The Company I Keep, (2010); toured to Tempo Dance Festival, Auckland (2012)
Branch Book Bench 2012; Peacock Theatre Hobart (check out the video of bench with choreography by Shapiro & Smith)
HOW:
Integration is at the heart of the ensemble’s goals. At the core of Second Echo is the ensemble of deviser/performers. The proportion of performers with a disability to those not identifying as having a disability is 2 to 1.
Goals and objectives
For the deviser/performers:
1. To raise the profile of integrated performance as an art form in Tasmania
2. To develop the artists’ skills and knowledge through interaction and workshops
3. To bring new artists into relationship with the ensemble
4. To introduce new young performers with a disability into the group
5. For older members of the ensemble to mentor new members
For the audience
1. Engage people with a particular interest in arts and disability
2. Attract young people interested in new and hybrid performance
3. Excite lovers of innovative and contemporary physical theatre
4. Encourage families, friends and extended community of participants to be involved
5. Break down stereotypes about disability
WHY:
We are duty bound to create work that all in our community has access to and that everyone can see their peers on stage. Being able to show people with disability the exciting opportunities that exist for them is a powerful tool.
We need your help to make this a reality for the artists and we are hoping to raise a total of $6,000 for the first stage of development, but of course more for the whole performance would be a great help.
Whatever you can give will be really appreciated. No amount is too small or too big.
Thanks to Art Tasmania, if we can raise $4000 in this campaign it will be matched by $2000 through their Crowbar initiative.
A bit more about the team
Kelly Drummond Cawthon
Kelly Drummond Cawthon: Passion For Dance
Kelly Drummond Cawthon was raised in Tasmania, Australia. After a childhood spent in acrobatics and musical theatre, she began her contemporary dance training in South Australia where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Adelaide and traveled to the United States to pursue an MFA degree in dance choreography and performance at Florida State University and an MA in Performance Studies at NYU. Her experiences as a professional in the worlds of dance and theatre span over twenty-five years of performance, choreography, directing, research and teaching.
She has performed with dance and theatre companies including Outlet Dance in Australia, and The New Dance Group, The Doris Humphrey Repertory Company, Joy Kellman, The Hudson Vagabond Puppeteers, Motion Pictures Dance Theater Inc. and most prominently, Shapiro & Smith Dance in the United States. Her work has been presented across the United States, in Canada, Europe, Bulgaria, Brazil, Russia, Uzbekistan, Australia and Korea; at International Dance Festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe, Off the Edge International Canada, Dance In A Suitcase Varna, American Dance Festival, and Florida Dance Festival; commissioned and produced by numerous College and University Programs; and presented across the globe using Internet 2 Digital Technology in venues such as the Global Super Computing Conference, Monaco International Dance Festival, Internet 2 Annual Conference and Si-Dance Korea.
Kelly is currently the Performing %20 Hybrid Arts Coordinator, and director of the SPACE dance program at Salamanca Arts Centre, Creative Producer and Teaching Artist in Residence for Kickstart Arts, and an independent performance artist. In 2012-2013 her creative work included collaborations with the Second Echo Ensemble, and at Kingston High School as an arts@work artist in residence.
Jason James has worked as a media designer for the performing and visual arts for more than ten years; creating designs principally for new works. His credits include Echo Part 1 - A neurological soundscape, IHOS Opera 2013, Hungry For You, Extended Play Projects, 2012, Death by Television, Hobart Pavement Projects and Tasmanian Theatre Company 2011, The Barbarians IHOS Opera, Love Terrapin Puppet Theatre, The Birds M.A.D.E., The Landing Party, SAC35 Salamanca Arts Centre, Death by Television Briony Kidd, Hieronymus Andrew Harper, ErrorInTime() Nancy Mauro-Flude, Tell Tales Bridget Nicklason-King, La Casa Di Signori Marrisa Mastrocola and Nigel Kellaway, The Gatekeeper Terrapin Puppet Theatre, The Company I Keep Second Echo Ensemble, Kimisis IHOS Opera, If I jumped I’d Fly Second Echo Ensemble and Valley of the Shadow of Death for Felicity Horsley. Roz Wren is a freelance designer/maker, producer and teacher, specialising in costumes, sets, props, puppets and festival decorations, plus puppet making and arts workshops. Roz became involved in theatrical design and costume manufacture for Big Monkey (formerly Theatre Alfresco) 16 years ago and has been their principal designer/maker since then. She was the recipient of an Emerging Theatre Artists grant in 2000 and worked for Terrapin Puppet Theatre with mentor Greg Methe on The Dark at the top Of the Stairs and has subsequently worked on many of their shows, she co-designed 'Con Artists' and designed Explosion Therapy. Since then Roz has worked for every theatre company in Hobart in various capacities, from designer, to costume and puppet manufacture, set and prop construction, set painting, sculpting and teaching. Laura Purcell practices across the disciplines of performance, dance, puppetry and visual art. She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in 2010, focusing on contemporary sculpture complimenting her Bachelor of Performing Arts (Theatre). Her artistic practice activates spaces, animates the inanimate and highlights artistic processes. She engages and entertain audiences in a variety of sites and situations which live in and beyond traditional performance spaces and explore her ideas through a broad range of mediums.www.feminineartisticdesire.com
Bridget Nicholson-King has been performing professionally for 10 years. She began her career by studying a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts at Deakin University and launching her own independent performance company. She remains dedicated to being an active member of the Tasmanian contemporary dance community and is currently creating a new solo theatre show. She is proud to have been a member of the Second Echo Ensemble since 2008.Rodrigo Diaz-Icasuriaga has performed as a musician for 17 years and has also played a supporting role in the Second Echo Ensemble since 2006. He has worked specifically alongside people with disabilities in various art disciplines including music and audio production, visual arts, photography and film making for the past 10 years. In that time he has worked as understudy to nearly all the members of the ensemble and has assisted in the creation and touring of all their shows. "Being part of the Second Echo Ensemble has been an amazing journey to say the least. Through this time I have developed an incredible bond with its members and have rejoyced in the growth of not only the individuals but the ensemble as a whole. There's something special about this group that is beyond words."Why We Do What We Do
Charlie SmithEver since I joined SEE I was quite happy and I wanted to do more of it , because I think I've learned more since then than when I first started. I remember back to the show "If I Jumped I'd Fly" when we went into a cocoon and came out as a butterfly, it was since then that I started to get into theatre. I was shy at first, but then I fell in love with it. Going on tour made me become more independent and do things I didn't know I could do. From being in SEE I've wanted to go even further and have started thinking about joining Cooper Screen Academy to experience new things and maybe one day be in films.
David MontgomeryI’ve been in 2nd Echo Ensemble since it began. Its the best part of me. Each year we work at creating a story that says something about us and other people too. It makes me look at my life, the way we all act. I grow! I learn. The Second Echo ensemble has given me a chance to dance and act on stage in some excellent plays for audiences in Tasmania, Victoria and NewZealand I love touring with the ensemble. It gives me a chance to be seen dancing or expressing myself. Being able to be part of a company of actors performing well. It is encouraging and important for other people (especially children) with disabilities. I want teachers, friends, family and total strangers to see I have an exciting life to be lived fully even though I have Down's Syndrome. Being in such great company is a privilege and fun. I love every part of this experience and hope to continue.
Alexandra Morris-Baguley I was the only girl in Second Echo when it first started but now there are more girls it is better. I really love being in Second Echo as I love to act, to dance, to perform. I have really enjoyed working with the various directors, particularly Fin and Kelly. The group is such a great bunch of guys and travelling with them to put on a show is really fun. My most memorable moments are going to the Awakenings Festival in Horsham, Victoria and going to New Zealand to perform ‘The Company I Keep’ and watch Touch Compass in action.
Alastair WebberBeing a part of second echo has given me a chance to experience what its like to be a performer and to perform on stage. At first i found it a challenge and quite nerve racking, at times it can be stressful, tiring(especially during performances) and also quite enjoyable. Over the years I've gotten better and learnt heaps of new things. these days i find it quite easy to perform and enjoy it more and more every year.
Josh TimbsI like being in Second Echo because its fun and I’ve met some great people who have become friends. I feel that we have come a long way and we have all come out of our shell. I have learnt to be myself and to say what I feel and it makes me happy to see everyone having fun.
William WebsterWhy I like to be part of Second Echo:
I always like to be part of a big group with my friends from Tas Theatre
I like having a part to play in a big group - It is like a team
I like to work with Bryony Geeves in "The Book of Hamlet"
I like the way she performed
Aidan ChickIt’s good being with people I know. I like doing things in front of all people [crowds].
It is good have the mixed abilities as can make all sorts of friends. People like Kelly and Bridget help me. I liked doing the Bench performance. I have learnt to listen. Do acting and dancing. Have a go at new things. Showing people what me and my friends can do. Makes me good [confident] to try new things. I feel happy as like dance with people who help me. I feel proud when people clap. I want to do more and learn more. It’s good.
Elise RomazskoWhen I started Second Echo Ensemble I joined in the production of 'The Company I Keep'.
I feel Second Echo is gives young actors lots of opportunities to be creative. Personally I think and feel that my mind and body are opened up and filled full of wonderful amazing ideas. I can share my imagination and feelings with others. I can belong to Second Echo and feel like we are one big family. By being closely connected together we create something inspiring and full of imagination. Being in Second Echo for me is also about commitment and reaching high standards.
Kai JenkinsWhat I like about Second Echo is?
Learning new dances, working together as a group and helping others.
The History of Second Echo
The seed for Second Echo was sewn when Cosmos Recreation Services was funded by the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services (Disability Services) to pilot a theatre/performance group for young people with an intellectual disability .
Internationally acclaimed Tasmanian writer Finegan Kruckemeyer further developed the concept into an integrated performance ensemble in a partnership with Cosmos and Is Theatre (now Tasmanian Theatre Company) and convened the Second Echo Ensemble to develop a performance piece for the 2006 Amalgamation Festival in Hobart. As the only group of its kind in Tasmania, Second Echo Ensemble were invited to represent Tasmania at the Awakenings Festival in Victoria in October 2007. Since then the company have created six full length works. Two of these have toured Tasmania, one has toured to Victoria and Finegan’s last work with the Company toured to New Zealand.
Reviews
Branch Book Bench Second Echo Ensemble
Peacock Theatre, Salamanca Arts Centre
15-16 May
Reviewed by Lesley Graham
Showing increasing confidence, this group of performers, with and without disabilities, presents three very different works in this program. Branch, directed by Sarah Duffus is an exploration of connections. Various interpretations of the theme allude to personal experiences, to family and friendships; things we can and cant do without and to our sense of place. Kai Jenkins, Esse Kruckenmeyer Charlie Smith and Alaistair Webber manipulate branches, which are used as a metaphor for contact and communication, both given and broken. Emerging from the protection of others, each performer gives us glimpses of their private life their hopes and moments of wonder.
In Book, Guy Hooper has worked closely with Will Webster and Bryony Geeves to develop a physical comedy, which begins in a delightful play with simple props and leads to a series of emotional responses. Predictable patterns are then broken with unexpected delights and discoveries. With paper props, a story forms to the accompaniment of Phillip Glass emphasizing the strength of the sentiment: This above all else: to thine own self be true.
With the final work Bench, directed by Kelly Drummond Cawthorn, Second Echo has taken a real risk and it has paid off in bucket loads. This challengingly physical piece is a section of a longer work originally choreographed by Dan Shapiro and Joanie Smith. Josh Timbs immediately shows a strength and fluidity, which develops with each performance and his capability in supporting others. Sliding under over and through simple props the cast of Aiden Chick, Dave Montgomery, Alexandria Morris Baguley, Bridget Nicklayson King and Elise Romaszko show confidence in working with each other, taking weight and retaining the details of the constantly shifting relationships in this mesmerizing piece.
Thoughts from our Supporters
“As a direct support service to members of the ensemble with a disability we have seen each member of the group develop and mature into young adults who, through being part of the ensemble, have far more confidence, self-esteem, social skills and sense of responsibility. Through the numerous workshops they held while on tour they were able to support and share their skills, knowledge and passion for performing with other young people with disability. Family members of the young people in the group with disabilities state how much an impact the opportunity of being part of the ensemble and touring has had on their son/daughter. The friendships, support, encouragement, personal growth and fun they experienced flows over into other areas of each young person’s life.
Finally, the impact that a group like the Second Echo Ensemble can have on educating the broader community is something that cannot be understated.”
Anne McKinstray, former Cosmos Manager
How The Funds Will Be Used
The majority of the funds will be go towards artist fees for the creative team. The remaining funds will go towards venue costs and materials to experiment with in the room.
Our budget Breakdown:
YOUR contribution will go to..
$3000 Artist Fees (Puts the team in the rehearsal studio for 12 weeks)
$500 Venue Hire
$500 Materials
IF WE MAKE OUR TARGET: We may qualify for an Arts Tasmania Crowbar match of $2000 which will go entirely to artist fees to pay the people to do their thing and make the work happen.
IF WE EXCEED OUR TARGET: That means even MORE artist fees and that's important!
Our budget Breakdown:
YOUR contribution will go to..
$3000 Artist Fees (Puts the team in the rehearsal studio for 12 weeks)
$500 Venue Hire
$500 Materials
IF WE MAKE OUR TARGET: We may qualify for an Arts Tasmania Crowbar match of $2000 which will go entirely to artist fees to pay the people to do their thing and make the work happen.
IF WE EXCEED OUR TARGET: That means even MORE artist fees and that's important!
The Challenges
Like most independently made art our main challenge is funding our work particularly in the early stages of conceptual development. This challenge however, is met with the enthusiasm of our creative team and with your help we are pretty darn sure we can overcome it!
Shout out!
A huge thanks from the Second Echo Team and a shout out on our facebook page.
3 chosen
Est. delivery is Aug 14
Get your dance on!
All rewards assigned to the $10 Reward plus... 1 free class with Salamanca Arts Centre's SPACE dance Program: Join us for yoga, contemporary or ballet!
4 chosen / 16 available
Est. delivery is Aug 14
All rewards assigned to the $25 Reward plus... A signed photo of the Second Echo Ensemble in action
6 chosen / 44 available
Est. delivery is Aug 14
All rewards assigned to $50 Reward plus 2 x VIP tickets to a behind the scenes showing
4 chosen / 26 available
Est. delivery is Oct 14
Chunky Move
All rewards assigned to the $100 Reward plus... 1 ticket to see Keep Everything by Chunky Move at the Salamanca Arts Centre (Aug 6-9)
2 chosen / 18 available
Est. delivery is Aug 14
All rewards assigned to the $250 Reward plus... A night at the theatre for you and five friends at the Tasmanian Theatre Company presentation of The Berry Man (August 28- September 7)
0 chosen / 2 available
Est. delivery is Aug 14