This weekend NORPA in Lismore will premiere an explosive new physical theatre work, Cockfight by The Farm. Don’t miss this amazing performance by a company of which the Sydney Festival said: “These guys make dance like the Coen brothers make films.”
For the last eighteen months Gold Coast-based company The Farm has been developing the work as part of NORPA Generator (NORPA’s creative development program) in collaboration with NORPA Artistic Director Julian Louis. Cockfight will premiere at NORPA followed by performances in Cairns and Townsville with a national tour planned for 2017.
“The Farm are one of Australia’s most fearless and dynamic dance companies,” says Julian Louis. “It’s been exciting to collaborate with The Farm in a creative environment that is limitless and where there’s a real sense that anything can happen.”
Like an episode of The Office meets a cage-fight, Australian style, Cockfight is a comical, combative and ultimately tender performance that explores masculinity and pushes the limits of physical theatre.
It opens with two blokes in an office. One older, one younger. They challenge each other in a series of comical one-upmanships that build to a moment of impact where everything is suspended, the flash of bared teeth, the mutual reliance on the fight, the desperation and loneliness of success.
Cockfight is a poetic look at the power play that occurs between men and the frailty of the body. It is evocative of age and passing time and questions our culture’s desperate desire for achievement. Without each other these two performers have nothing left to fight for. Dance is a young man’s game. What happens when someone higher up the food chain gets weak and is ready to be taken down?
At the heart of Cockfight is a very real relationship between performers Joshua Thomson and Gavin Webber who have been working together for many years. Their humour, trust and understanding allow them to take extreme physical risks that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Bringing together the inventive theatricality of physical theatre company The Farm with Julian Louis’ dynamic theatre making style, Cockfight will provoke and excite in equal measure. Come and see what happens when these two performers give it all they’ve got.
Cockfight by The Farm and NORPA – Joshua Thomson and Gavin Webber. Photo: Kate Holmes.
About The Farm:
Based on the Gold Coast with roots in Berlin, The Farm is an international network of highly respected artists, ranging from choreographers and independent dancers to musicians and designers. The artistic direction of the company is led by Gavin Webber and Grayson Millwood who have been making work together for the past fifteen years across four continents. The Farm works out of Queensland but retains and builds on its national and international pedigree and touring record. Touring highlights include, Venice Biennale, Tanzplattform (Germany), Barbican Theatre, Europe, Canada and Australia.
The Farm is driven by a desire to connect to anyone, from dance and theatre virgins to aficionados and professionals. Often described as cinematic, their work is based on universal subjects and themes that matter. The Farm create contemporary performances that transcend expectations of what dance can be and how and where it should be viewed.
“These guys make dance like the Coen brothers make films.” Sydney Festival
“Intensely theatrical movement with a keen Aussie sense of play and irony never far away.” Brisbane Courier Mail
COCKFIGHT Creative Team:
Cockfight was developed by members of The Farm with guest artist Julian Louis.
Directed by Joshua Thomson, Gavin Webber, Kate Harman, Julian Louis; performers Joshua Thomson and Gavin Webber; lighting design Mark Howett;sound design; Luke Smiles; set Design Joey Ruigrok and Joshua Thomson; producer Performing Lines
COCKFIGHT
By The Farm
NORPA at Lismore City Hall
Thu 17, Fri 18, Sat 19 September, 7:30pm
Diner & bar from 6pm
Running time: 70 mins (no interval)
Patron advice: Recommended for ages 15+
Bookings: 1300 066 772 or www.norpa.org.au
WORKSHOP: Saturday 19 September 5-6pm, NORPA at Lismore City Hall
Physical theatre workshop with The Farm for professional dancers. Led by Kate Harman, Joshua Thomson and Gavin Webber. For more details contact NORPA 1300 066 722 or [email protected].
