SUB

Delve into a multi-sensory performance with GUTS Dance in collaboration with local choreographer Ashleigh Musk, as they present experimental dance production SUB.

WORDS JENNA HOARE 
IMAGE IVAN TRIGO MIRAS

BRINGING MOVEMENT FROM the underground, Musk's choreography explores the contradictions and contrasts of life beneath the Earth’s crust in a post-apocalyptic world – wet versus dry, hot versus cold, and soft versus strong.

“The concept for SUB came off a few other works I’ve made where I look at how will we live, and what do we need to prepare for the future?,” she says.

“As we burrow down, [we ask] what is already down there and how might that unfold? That took us to looking at volcanoes, looking at mycelium networks, looking at soil and geology … and the natural elements that are there.”

Musk is joined by dancers Frankie Snowden, Madeleine Krenek, and Jenni Large, flowing through themes of resilience, endurance, and the importance of caring for the environment and one another.

The production invites audiences to explore the critical relationship between humanity and nature in the face of environmental crisis through a hyper-sensory experience.

“One thing we love to do is a Q&A after every show … it offers a moment for people to say what they saw, and from those conversations, there’s so many visuals, props and set pieces,” Musk says.

“There’s also a huge sound element. Anna Whitaker is our sound designer, and she is mixing the sound live … that gets a lot of commentary because she’s doing some really complicated work.”

As our world grapples with significant challenges such as climate change, Musk’s choreography encourages viewers to connect with the raw forces of nature.

“People have felt really connected to the show. They come to the theatre, and they see the landscape and they see the show, and they have that memory of where they are living.”

Touring nationally with Artback NT, the first show opens at the Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs/Mparntwe before the crew hits the road to Queensland, then onto the finale evening in Darwin.

"This is the first time this show will be in Darwin, so that’s really exciting for us because we are a Territory organisation and Territory artists, and we love to strengthen our relationship with Darwin audiences," Musk says.

“It’s been a few years since GUTS Dance performed in Darwin and we would love to see lots of people come along."

The show is for ages eight years and up, as there are loud noises and high sensory experiences. Earplugs are provided for your comfort.

So, get along to unearth this incredible Territory performance!

SUB -GUTS Dance x Ashleigh Musk

WHEN FRI 23 MAY | 11AM & 7PM 
AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE 
COST $10-$35 
INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

WHEN FRI 13 & SAT 14 JUN 11AM & 7PM 
AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE 
COST $35 | $30 MEMB/CONC 
INFO yourcentre.com.au