Former QUT dance graduate Claire Marshall is set to wow audiences with her new immersive dance film installation Permutations showcasing at the Brisbane Powerhouse this month. The production, which also includes four QUT dance Alumni, positions the audience in the centre of large screens where a multiple point-of-view story unfolds.
The story is set in 1982 when two sisters aged 16 and 17 farewell their mother and her newlywed husband on their honeymoon vacation. However, the short trip soon becomes an extended holiday, and the siblings are left to fend for themselves! The idea came from a series of dance films Claire made as part of her studies and where her love of dance film begun.
“Dance film allows an audience to be up close and surrounded by screens and performers. It gives people multiple perspectives and is interesting because different audience members can have diverse interpretations depending on where they are viewing the show,” said Claire. Permutations brings together her interest in immersive work with dance film creating a unique experience for the audience.
“I also think people are keen to see more dance, and during COVID most productions were viewed on a small screen like a mobile phone or laptop,” Claire said. “It will be exciting for the audience to see dance on really large screens. Permutations also takes a ‘multiple point-of-view’ structure where the audience can choose their view of the characters and the alternative aspects of the story unfolding.”
Claire commenced her studies at QUT to become a film and media teacher but realised her true calling was dance and ultimately changed paths. “It took almost two years to realise I was neglecting my passion which was dance,” Claire said. “For a long time, I thought my previous study was wasted, however creating dance films made me realise no knowledge was wasted.”
Permutations runs from the 16-26 March 2021 at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
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