From the charismatic cohort that sold-out performances in Circonoclasm last year, National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) presents its third-year student ensemble show ONEIRIC at the NICA National Circus Centre this June.
Three years in the making, this group have mastered their artistic individuality, yet unify to become one dynamic and synergistic whole. Witness the depth of their chemistry, and on-stage electricity in their graduate ensemble.
In this show, circus, sound, and contemporary dance dissolve the barriers of black and white, beyond which exists endless potential. Shards of colour pierce the subconscious, introducing joy, contrast, light and dark, similarities, and all our differences.
A beautiful fusion of expressive movement, this interpretive work of art asks each to derive their own personal meaning. ONEIRIC is a void that offers no distinction between reality, and the ephemeral. Existence is monochrome.
The show is directed by Edgar Zendejas, internationally renowned choreographer, visionary, and founder of acclaimed dance company, Ezdanza. He has a trail of accolades punctuating his extraordinary career, and has collaborated with the likes of Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Eloize and École Nationale de Cirque.
Edgar rejects artistic constraints, fluidly melding dance and circus to breed a new class of contemporary choreography that is both ground-breaking and invigorating.
NICA’s Head of Circus, James Brown (2015 – present) speaks of the invaluable educational opportunity working with an international director presents: “The students will be working with an incredibly interactive set, having to embody both shadow and light, and be challenged by movement and blended modalities. Edgar will stretch their performance abilities to a new level,” said Mr Brown.
Prepare to abandon all reality and immerse entirely in ONEIRIC. Head of set and costume design is Angelica Rush (ECLIPSE, NICA 2022), working in a cross-faculty collaboration with costume design, and makeup students from Melbourne Polytechnic.
ONEIRIC is seductively illuminated by Harrison Cope as the lighting designer (A Blanck Canvas) accompanied by a powerful musical score by Ian Moorhead (SLAP. BANG. KISS. Melbourne Theatre Company 2022), all married together by a striking visual display from seasoned cinematographer, Charles Alexander.
Director: Edgar Zendejas | Featuring: Amy Stone, Harrison Sweeney, Asha Colless, Celso March, Courtney Sturm, Dean Moran, Dhananjaya Johnson, Ethan Harris-Cross, Gabriella Platus, Gemma Truong, Griffin Hooper, Jacob Kenner, James Bartlett, Jason Gonçalves Da Costa, Louis Green, Maya Davies, Rosa Mordaunt, Timothy Simpson, Tristan St John, Zahnee Kimmel | Set & Costume Design: Angelica Rush | Composition & Sound Design: Ian Moorhead | Lighting Design: Harrison Cope | Video Design: Charles Alexander
ONEIRIC
NICA National Circus Centre, 39-59 Green Street, Prahran
Season: 9 – 17 June 2023
Information and Bookings: www.nica.com.au
Image: NICA presents ONEIRIC (supplied)