Common Dissonance




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A collision of circus and culture that interrogates harmony and conflict to find a Common Dissonance.
Synopsis
In a 21st Century world where it is common to believe in both spirituality and science – how can we navigate thecomplex dialogues that consume contemporary culture?
Common Dissonance is a contemporary circus work that creates a physical dialogue between different voices of reason.
The two performers, one First Nations Australian, the other not, are embodiments of traditional and contemporary reasoning, and broadly represent pre- and post-colonial people.
By engaging with the complexities between indigenous cultural understanding of society and contemporary scientific reasoning, this work inspires audiences to focus on a balance between, rather than the resolution, of conflict. The future of reconciliation in Australia won’t come from overcoming our differences, but rather embracing and understanding their value.
For thousands of years in Australia, understanding of the world came from dreamtime stories, song lines, and oral histories, all of which are still relevant to many Australians. Our environment is riddled with the hypocrisies of a culturally diverse past lingering in the wake of a globalized present.
Common Dissonance presents this internal conflict as physical interactions between two performers, speaking not only to the inherent conflict between modes of reasoning, but also the moments of unity, the examples of cultural exchange, and hopes to seek resolution and balance into the future.
The abstract framing of the work allows audiences to place themselves within the work, at times identifying with one performer, or the other, or as both at once. This utilises empathy to foster a deeper understanding of the themes, and of the necessary similarities and differences between Blak and white Australia that help build a more holistic and accepting society.
Contradiction and correspondence, harmony and dissonance: all play out as we seek truth, knowledge, and understanding in our lives.
Short Reviews
Cameron Woodhead, THE AGE
Stephen A Russell, TIMEOUT
Megan Koch, ARTSHUB
Video
Additional Videos
Technical Information
Lighting
Purpose |
Fixture Suggestion |
Quantity |
Backlight | RGBW LED Parcans (SL PAR 155 or equivalent) |
6 |
FOH | Fresnel (650w in smaller tent, 1k in larger venue) |
8 |
High Sides and Top Lighting | RGBW LED fresnels (preferable) or Parcans |
12 |
Low Sides | Profiles (preferably 25- 50 degree zoom)
OR Birdies in a smaller tent setting/ in the round |
Up to 12, pending venue size. Minimum 6 |
Door and Water Specials | Profile, 25 degree or tighter |
2 |
Hazer | DMX controllable hazer |
1 |
Control | ETC Eos Family Console |
1 |
Dimmers | Dimmers preferably have relay options for control of LED fluro tubes. If not a switch board can be provided for manual control of these lights. |
Audio
Purpose |
Fixture Suggestion |
Quantity |
Audio | PA with FOH and foldback, 6.5mm to 3.5mm aux cord |
1 |
Qlab Licence | Computer with audio Qlab licence. Na Djinang can also provide a show laptop if necessary. |
1 |
Staging
Stage Dimensions- 6m wide X 6m deep X 6m high.
Flooring- 6m X 6m matting and Tarkett set.
Set- 1 free standing door (requires 2 sand bags from venue), 2 free standing wooden Boxes.
Access to aerial rigging line required from side stage.
Crew Notes
Qualified rigger needs to be arranged in conversation with Na Djinang Circus.
Transport Notes
Entire set can be transported in a 1 tone moving van.
Mats and Tarkett need to be freighted or sourced locally if travelling by plane.
Audience & Marketing Notes
This work appeals to audiences with strong political awareness and an open mindedness to diverse opinions. It resonates with first Nations and none First Nations audiences and works well to circus and contemporary dance audiences.
Theatre lovers – the intricate relationships and strong thematic explorations in the work appeal to theatre afficionados
Circus lovers – the array of circus apparatus and disciplines makes for an appealing contemporary circus work
Young people – see themselves reflected in the young cast, and come to complex issues with an open mind
Adult audiences – enjoy the engaging circus and theatrical elements that make for a great night out
Politically and culturally engaged – can appreciate the nuance of the issues explored and spark inspired and deep conversation around ethics, politics and culture
Those new to the theatre – can appreciate the work for aesthetic and spectacle alone, and leave with a sense of inspiration and wonder
Diverse and First Nations people – see themselves reflected on stage in a self-determined, indigenous-led work
Selling Points
- Only First Nations Australian lead Circus Company
Details
Genre
Audience
Politically active allies
Venue Format
Proscenium Arch, Black box, In the round, Thrust.
Duration
50 Minutes
Available Until (from - to)
31/12/2023
Budget & Fees
What are these? Find out more.In Development - work which will be produced and premiered in time for touring during 2022/2023. Please contact the Producer directly for Budgets and Fees.
Remount: $3,500
Weekly Sell Off: $10,000
Per Performance: $5,000