Samantha Chester

To present NEW dance theatre work 'Safety in Numbers' as part of Form Dance Projects, Dance Bites 2014 at Riverside Theatres by director choreographer Samantha Chester.

THE STORY SO FAR

In 2011 and 2012 I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with amazing dance theatre company Force Majeure in their inaugural dance theatre development program for emerging director/choreographers and performers. The aim of the program was to work with three chosen directors on a burning idea they had with the assistance and mentoring of Artistic Director Kate Champion. During this time I learn't so much about my own process and where I wanted to take my work, as well as being introduced to a wonderful community of other makers and artists which I am eternally grateful. I feel so privileged to have been part of this program and this is where 'Safety In Numbers' was born. In 2013 I received further support for the project through an Ausdance NSW Dance Space Residency and although I didn't receive Australia Council for Arts funding, Form Dance Projects have taken a chance on me and come on board as the presenting partner. Independent dance theatre has very few opportunities to present work in Sydney so with the amazing support of the above companies I am forging ahead to realise this project.

I really believe in the heart of this work, the stories, the movement, the heartache and redemption which is why I have pursued it for nearly three years.


Photo: Heirdun Lohr

THE WORK

"And that's when you know you've been caught out, that you've squandered what time you had, that you must trust this house of concrete you've built to stand up" The man who sailed his house by Michael Paterniti

Safety in Numbers explores memory, aftermath and contemporary ideas of safety, it is a response to the precarious nature of the human condition. Set in the aftershock of an earthquake, five people find themselves trapped, to wrestle with the possibility that this could be the end of their lives. The work is inspired by the true stories and images of disaster survivors and deals with the tremulous nature of existence and our inner shaking as we navigate the un-chartered nature of a life. We all want certainty, but deep down we know that things are not built to last and it is this struggle that shakes us to our very core and also allows us to be more than we ever expected.


Photo: Heirdun Lohr

THE ARTISTIC TEAM
Without a doubt I have the most incredible artistic team, Verity Hampson (Lighting Designer), David Fleischer (Set Design/ Concept) and Ekrem Mulayim (Sound Designer) not to mention the incredible performers: Gavin Clarke, Anya McKee, Danielle Micich (WA) and Leeke Griffin whom have been part of the project since 2011.The work will be supported by FORM Dance Projects, Paea Leach, Anthony Skuse, Artful Management, Ausdance NSW and ReadyMade Works through dramaturgical, rehearsal, marketing and performance venue support.

All money raised will go directly to pay the performers and design team.

I don't see any real risk as the work will be performed, all dates and times are confirmed. The real challenge is making sure that I do the best that I can to support the artistic team for all their time, energy and creativity and that's where I need your help.