Based on Edward Albee's 1959 play "The Zoo Story," this poignant contemporary dance work emerges.

A contemporary dance adaption of Edward Albee’s play “The Zoo Story” exploring the divide between society’s middle-class and its outcasts. Driven to madness, and thereby driven to a Zoo to learn how the caged animals co-exist, Jerry, a victim of the indifferent attitude of a decomposing society, finds himself in Central Park and miserably failing in yet another attempt to clinch a conversation with a fellow human being–Peter–the epitome of middle-class society. The ensuing duologue between ends in shocking tragedy. The dazzling and yet sensitive choreography by Australian, Tim Podesta, is matched by powerfully evocative performances by London-based dancers James Pett and Travis Clausen-Knight. The programme also premieres a new collaboration by Pett and Clausen-Knight.

Venue Format
Theatre, Black Box Venue
Technical Rating
C
Touring Party
4
Considerations

This performance has an intricate projected image on the back cyc in the theatre space.

The Projection Dance philosophy has always been to promote the inherent beauty of dance by presenting performances that bring out our unique characteristics and qualities. Today’s sophisticated ballets represent a full life story, from raw modern movements with multi media textured edge to luxurious ballets with soul. Unrestrained by our industry, Projection embrace unconventional collaborations. Unique collaborations bind our distinct style and inspire creative thinking.

Projection Dance is an international touring company with a focus on developing a more permanent presence in Australia while maintaining a strong international reputation through touring programs and collaborations. Since 2016 Projection Dance has presented productions in the USA, UK, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East to much acclaim. From 2019 and beyond our intention is to create and tour existing and new programs across Australia.

Our existing productions have included principal dancers from leading companies around the world and while it is the intention to maintain a relationship and creative collaborations with these individuals and organisations we also intend to create new and exciting employment opportunities for seasoned Australian dancers and graduates from our National training institutions. Projection Dance will extend this platform to help nurture young and established choreographers through development strategies and commissions.

Company Website
projectiondance.com

Unique Selling Point

The dazzling and yet sensitive choreography by acclaimed Australian, Tim Podesta, inspired by Edward Albee's 1959 play "The Zoo Story," originally set in New York's Central Park, provides the literary source from which this poignant contemporary dance work emerges. This production is a sophisticated modern take on the themes explored in the original play. With extremely relevant topics of mental health and class separation embodied by two provocative dancers, this piece will instigate critical thinking for its audiences.

Marketing Materials

  • Edward Albee's Classic 1950's play "The Zoo Story" embodied and physicalized by two emotionally empathetic dancers.
  • exploring current contemporary social issues; mental health and class separation.

There is a marketing package available equipped with rehearsal and production promo footage, rehearsal, production and artistic photography, DL flyers, posters, and social media marketing strategy. We are in the process of developing an online masterclass series featuring artists in the production, detailing advice and mentorships around classical ballet.

Community Engagement

Always on tour Projection Dance Company offers workshops with the touring cast. Both ballet, contemporary technique company class are open for the public as wells as specific creative workshops that unpack the repertoire. These workshop options are available in the theatre leading up to the performance, or also the cast can travel out to schools and provide workshop and performance bundle. Projection Dance Company has a Junior Artist program who often tours with the company for your aspiring artists seeking hands-on work experience.