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[Feb. 23rd, 2008|02:00 pm] |
a debrief of the play: Once Upon a Coffee ....
I guess I haven't really said much about it and most of you won't have a clue what happened ... so here's a little breakdown. During loopen workshops marcela and i decided to start working with the idea around doing a show about coffee. the workshopeed scenes we created seemed to go down well and so we thought, "yeah, it might actually work". Then came christmas, which was pleasant and I ate too much as should be done at that time. Back into rehearsals, or more immediately: research. Looking into the coffee situation was certainly eye opening for both of us. I have never really known where coffee comes from, or even how it is processed and by whom. well, now I have a better idea and still find it hard to believe the conditions in which the coffee growers work. if you want to find out some more go here
anyway, it was an interesting and totally enjoyable process devising the show. it was harder because we didn't strictly have a director and we were writting the script as we devised, although we certainly had people watch and give very valuable feedback at regular intervals, thanks Lisa, Dan, Julia, Kulai and Micheal!. The show was greatly helped by the organisational skills of Julia Capon, who jumped onboard to be the producer, thanks Julia!
Getting closer to the performance date stress levels rose, but after a meeting with Switch Espresso they were eager to supply us with free coffee a coffee machine and information if needed. Meeting these guys was great as we got to see the whole situation from the commercial side and learn the lingo, and drink some very nice coffee.
The show itself went extremelly well. There was great support from the lyttleton community and the Wunderbar were very generous with their time and resources. It's such a weird and wonderful place to perform, the Borg-esque lighting rig never fails to amuse me. Each night was well attended and it was nice to see a growing audience. It was great to perform with marcela and we had a lot of fun, each night was certainly fresh as we decided "well, we haven't really learnt all the lines, but we know what we have to say so let's just go with it and have fun", which seemed to come off without any awesome blanks or monumental line fluffs.
It was a nice way to start the year. Well, that's it for now, will update again soon with news about the loopen experiment itself!
cheers,
Damien |
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| LOOPEN EXPERIMENT'S FINALE SEASON OF '07' |
[Dec. 12th, 2007|01:18 pm] |
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MEDIA RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 7/12/2007
 The Loopen Experiment
In Association with Christ’s College
presents:
'Macbeth' 15, 18-21 December, 7.30 pm
Matinee 16 December, 1 pm
Old Boys’ Theatre, Christ’s College, Rolleston Ave
Tickets: $12 / 15
Book at The Court Theatre, ph: 963 0870, email: bookings@courttheatre.org.nz
Publicity contact: Daniel Allan, email dfallan@gmail.com, phone 3484 351, 021 232 9422 Scottish Play Gets Loopen Treatment
In a flurry of swords, sorcery and Scotsmen, The Loopen Experiment performs its latest show, Macbeth, at Christ’s College this week. The Loopen version of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays is adapted by Scott Koorey and directed by Lisa Norriss. Hot on the heels of Loopen’s last show Before my Eyes and sneaking in just before Christmas, the play represents something of a bonus opportunity on the 2007 theatre calendar.
Macbeth has been pared back by the script editing skills of well known Christchurch theatre practitioner Scott Koorey. Taking a knife to the script, Koorey has cut out a third of the extraneous text, which makes the piece manageable for 6 adaptable actors and means that, without losing cohesion or any of the play’s important moments, the running time comes in at less than two hours.
Director Norriss has taken a minimalist approach to the play and focuses primarily on the skill of the actor to create the world in which Macbeth, the flawed central figure, operates. The six actors play twenty-eight roles, fight dexterously with swords and find a depth in the language and characters, which endows the play with honesty and aids in interpretation.
This performance will appeal not only to people interested in experimental theatre, but for those in the community that seek a simple and effective representation of Shakespeare’s work.
Loopen has recently returned from three months in South America, where they toured their devised piece of physical theatre, Fleet. Inspired by the work and people they encountered on this journey, Loopen returned brimming with ideas for this six person show.
Norriss looks forward to the input of sound designer Andrew Snook, who has worked with the group previously and created an atmospheric soundscape for the play. The play also employs the use of carefully choreographed fight sequences and a mystery ‘animal performance’ to amp up the action of this notoriously dark tale of power and corruption.
Tickets are available at The Court Theatre box office from December 11. www.loopen-experiment.co.nz loopen_experiment@yahoo.co.nz |
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| From Peru to Ecuador, touristic Loopen... |
[Jul. 12th, 2007|11:52 am] |
An account of our touristic adventures....
5 weeks into our travels and we have made our way to Ecuador- to blue skies, to green grass, to all the comforts of Marcela's family home. Oh blessed family home, we salute you!
From Lima we took a touristy side-trip to Machu Picchu (after much deliberation we decided it would be criminal to miss this- after all, how could we Vota Machu Picchu without experiencing its majesty?! Imagine an 80's video clip containing the mayor of Comas and other famous Peruvians singing against a photo backdrop of Machu Picchu, throw in a splash more cheese and hey, how could you not vote for Machu Picchu??). Cruz del Sur was a magic bus that sped us through the desert and up windy mountain roads to Cusco. It was more like a plane than a bus, we were served food in our seats, an endless stream of dvd's played, we had a game of bingo (in Spanish, ow our brains hurt- Dan won on the ride home!) and the seats were comfy. From here we were taxied to Ollaytaytambo (this may or may not be the actual name of this place) with only 2 stops to drop off and pick up the taxi driver's illegally riding girlfriend from our boot (darn those police checks) and then we took the scenic train ride through a valley lined with spectacular mountains and an excited river to Aguas Calientes (hot waters). Breathe in, breathe out, phew!
Stepping off the train in Aguas Calientes was like being pigeon food thrown to starving pigeons. We were surrounded within seconds and ushered off to a hostel. This little village lives on the tourist dollar. Everywhere we went there were people vying for our custom. The hostel we ended up in was very nice, clean with a view of the river and the mountains. The food here was very good too (if you are partial to the odd steak of guinea pig or portion of alpacca).
Early the next morning (5 am) we hiked up Machu Picchu. Our hopes of beating the crowds were gradually thwarted as tourist bus after tourist bus passed us enroute.
Machu Picchu was still amazing.
Again it is something hard to describe. Pete has made a video that we will endeavour to attach at some point. The grandeur, the simplicity, the workmanship, the setting and the absolute air of something so special and sacred that these Inca ruins at Machu Picchu radiate made it a wonder to behold.
From here, get ready team, we took the 18.5 hour bus ride back to Lima then continued on to Trujillo (another 9 hours). We spent a couple of days here beside the sea at Huanchaco relaxing and exploring. Chan Chan, the mud city, was astounding. The food was just what our uphappy stomachs needed (best lasagne ever). The dessert in the city, very nice. We were befriended by a couple of locals (wanting to get us on their tour admittedly) who helped us book another very average bus and showed us a very nice place to eat fish and great yukka chips, drink beer and pisco sunrises (shudder) and watch the soccer match between Argentina and Peru (4-0, hmmmm...).
So, from the tranquility of off-season surfers paradise to the hell hole that is the border between Peru and Ecuador we went. We bused, we taxied, we walked, we taxied and finally we had left Peru behind, found the Ecuadorian immigration office and stamped all the bits and pieces that make us the legal tourists we are today.
Hang on, just 4 hours to fill in in Huaquillas, one of the worst places to do this, but we made it. The bus to Quito was another 13 hours- oh the busing, when will it end?
Actually, now! Marcela was waiting for us with a huge 4 wheel drive and we bundled in and off we drove, through the clean, finished, misty and scenic city that is Quito and beyond.
Now we are at her family home, we have been fed, showered and given comfy beds. We feel like we can relax and now we prepare for more theatrical good times!
On Monday we begin our 2 week workshop on creating physical theatre and we will present FLEET twice before Pete and Kulai come back to NZ.
Well, this has been a massive, probably slightly boring, account of our touristic endeavours. More on the theatre side next time!
Vive el teatro,
Lis (and Loopen) |
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| Hola from Peru! |
[Jun. 30th, 2007|04:43 pm] |
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Hola amigos!
So, we have been abroad for more than 3 weeks now. Tonight is the last night of the theatre festival in Peru and we are presenting FLEET outdoors to the beautiful Peruvian locals and to our fellow theatre practitioners who have travelled from Mexico, Brasil, Colombia, Chile and Argentina to be a part of this special event.
What have we been up to thus far?
Well, Loopen flew into Buenos Aires and rode the bus into the city from the airport (a journey of about 2 hours). We had no idea where we were going but eventually navigated the streets and put our dodgy Spanish to use to find Marcela, who was waiting for us in a very funky and colourful hostel. Buenos Aires treated us to some very organic tango lessons, gutteral vocal training, delicious wine and very sweet food, even for the confessed sugar addicts in the group. Then, with props in tow, we headed north on one of Argentina's luxury overnight buses to Salta.
Salta was a beautiful little stop and from here we boarded another deluxe bus and snaked our way over the wondrous rock formations that are the Andes mountain ranges. The scenery was indescribable. Rich earthy colours, complex structures weathered by wind and water, llamas, dust and buildings in varying degrees of habitation and decomposition. I cannot paint an accurate picture but interpretitve dances will be offered on return.
So, we entered Chile. Here we stayed in San Pedro de Atacama and had an astronomy lesson with a spritely French man. Here we also hired cycles and set out to conquer the desert. The Valley of Deaths awaited us and our acrobatics on the edge of this gave the other tourists a little extra for their desert experience mile.
Here we ate the best empanyada in the world, seriously, we will never forget you oh empanyada of goodness!
From Chile we took the bus to Peru. Something happened and we ended up paying for an awesome bus that included food and sleeper chairs and getting a small, local bus that did not offer food or even a toilet that we could do #2's in, mmmm.... Also, we were in the midst of a jacket trafficking ring that was trying to get about 700 jackets across the border, very strange, interesting, loud and deleriously funny.
So, we finally reach Lima. Here we are met by the beautiful Anjelo, our host, Sara Joffrey, the lady who the festival is paying homage to, and one of the Brasilian group, Kiko. They bundled us into some taxi's and took us to Anjelo's house, where we are to this day staying with his extremely hospitable family.
Festival madness started soon after this and we have been treated to theatre, workshops, training sessions and shared experiences with the other theatre groups. We have also battled the dreaded travellers sickness (and won) and have performed for very appreciative audiences. The most rewarding shows thus far have to have been the remote school shows. Very poor areas with so many smiling faces and generous hosts.
So, today is the end of the festival. We have one more show in Lima after this then we head up north with the Brasilian group to Chiclayo, where we will perform for another school. Then onwards and upwards to Ecuador, where we will be running a 2 week workshop and performing in Quito.
So, until then...
Hasta Luego mi amigos!
Much love from us all here in the land in which we understand very little and we will talk again soon.
Smiles,
Lis (and Loopen)
www.loopen-experiment.co.nz |
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| South America: departure! |
[Jun. 5th, 2007|06:12 pm] |
Two days of life in New Zealand to go.
The seductive tones of tango grow and Spanish tongues call to us. We understand them not but their tone is welcoming and the passion that seeps from the sultry climes in which they dwell is enticing. From Argentina to Chile to Bolivia to Peru to Ecuador we will pass, we band of merry men toting poles and a drum and some bells and a bowl. We will share our art and our lives with all who care to step into our path.
So, this is it, now we step in and we'll let you know what we find along the way...
Loopen Love,
Lis
www.loopen-experiment.co.nz |
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| Mega Update... |
[Apr. 19th, 2007|10:11 am] |
Hello everyone!
Well, finally we have returned from our tour of the beautiful South Island. To date we have performed FLEET 23 times (this includes our rest home experience of which we shall never speak again...).
So where did we go and what did we do?
Catch-up commencing (brace yourselves, this is 2 months worth)...
The tour started up in Wellington with the Fringe 07 festival. We were oh so lucky to travel gratis on the Interislander and our company car (Clifford-the big red ford falcoln/dog) was a champ and did all the things that we expected of it (and more). We stayed in our tents in the backyard of Rowena's (a dirty hostel in the centre of the city) until we could bear it no longer and we were taken in by some lovely Toi students. We performed at BATS theatre for 4 nights. It was HOT, literally and awesome. BATS is an amazing set-up and the staff are supportive and every night there were 3 pieces of theatre on. The city was pumping too. The Fringe permeated every crevasse and the Cuba Street Carnival pushed the vibe into overdrive. Theatre theatre everywhere! House shuffling saw us on Tim and Alice's floor for a night and finally we really roughed it, down by the beach (mmmm early morning semi-skinny dipping...).
We were lucky enough to perform at a couple of Wellington's finest schools and were absolutely treated by WElington College with FOOD and kind words and promises of future invites.
From here we travelled south, to my parents house and the comfort of our own rooms, our own beds, home cooked food (thanks Mum), BBQ's (thanks Dad) and the absolute generosity of the best parents in the world. If anyone wants the rural experience, I recommend Bill and Lesley's EMU GULLY FARMSTAYS, mmm divine.
Here we performed at the Wakefield Village Hall. A real treat (with audiences craving more of us- as suggested by Arch Barclay of the Nelson Mail). It was here that we established the tradition of inviting the audience to stay and talk after the show. This was a great chance to answer questions and receive praise (he he!). It was really nice to return to my home village, we did yoga in the park, ate fish 'n' chips, went to the local and enjoyed the comfort of home.
The next show was in Nelson itself. We performed in an old mansion called Fairfield House. This place is special. It has been rescued from demolition and restored and is looked after by the most beatiful ladies who helped us no end.
We perfomed in the ballroom with a fireplace as our backdrop (see some photos on our website, www.loopen-experiment.co.nz), the room was warm and rich and had the energy of the Dalai Lama lingering in it and spurring us on.
A couple of school shows later and we were off to Takaka. Another lovely space (the movie theatre) with couches and an entirely supportive and appreciative audience. Here we were lucky to be taken in (all 5 of us) by April, resident lovely woman and talented artist.
Now, we'll travel more quickly as the tour really began to pick up the pace from here on in!
Greymouth: oh what a serene, idyllic camping ground. The place was near deserted and sat at the edge of the beach. None of us wanted to leave here! The cliffs, the rocks, the couches, the plants inside turning the lounge into a greenhouse/forest. The dart board attached to the shower wall (showers in the lounge). Awesome.
The show was in the HUGE Regent theatre. Margaret was a great support and our show was enjoyed by the small audience. Again feedback was just fantastic after the show. It was a pleasure to meet our audiences and to bridge the gap between performer and spectator in this way.
In a flash we were off to Hokitika. We stayed beside a lake, a sacred lake and were visited daily by the local special needs unit who proceeded to do the Bellbird walk, close to our tents. This was a special moment in our day, the joy experienced by these visitors was enough to lift any spirit to rapturous levels.
We performed in the Dramatic Society Hall. Very nice. Fleeting...
A lovely schools show and workshop here... can't stop, travelling... all the way to Te Anau! What a mission. A massive but scenic (no, too sterile- beautiful, enchanting....) drive. Fish 'n' chips in Wanaka, Marcela's 'map' that could have been anything, going the 'Wong' way- Kulai, hours of playing the 'let's name 2 actors and guess the movie' game whilst hitting possums (by accident- oh horrible thud, why do you shake my being?).
ARrived. Finally. Again, a fantastic camping ground. The show was in the Events Centre. We closed off the massive stage and worked up there, in the more intimate confines that we prefer. After the show (directly after), the man in the centre front seat said (loudly) 'Well, that was bloody good, wasn't it?' You made us SMILE!! Great town, supportive people.
A day off.
Then broom broom, The Big Red Dog barked his way to Gore! Again, camping in our homely tents. Setting up in record time. Advertising, setting up and being introduced to the quaint and magic Little Theatre. Great review, thanks Gore. Unfortunately we were performing the same night as High School Musical (which sold out with 750 people!).
We snuck in a school's show and a workshop (in Winton), a small place with friendly staff and enthusiastic students.
Then, the downhill slide, not to oblivion, but to Dunedin. Last public and school show of the tour. Again we were taken in by generous people who knew us not but gave us free reign and a key. DAmien travelled down to meet us for the public show and it was really nice to see him after such a long time apart. Loopen together again, oooh.
Very nice show in Burn's Hall. Lot's of science students in the audience.
Then HOME James, home.
And here we are.
And we are performing this Friday and Saturday at 9pm at the Southern Ballet at the Arts Centre in Christchurch.
Well done if you made it this far!
Love and light,
Lis
www.loopen-experiment.co.nz
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| Fleeting... |
[Jan. 24th, 2007|10:03 am] |
| [ | mood |
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| [ | music |
| | tribal | ] |
Buenos Dias, Tardes and Noches...
Hello and welcome to the irregular land of update. The hard-core of Loopen have thrown off the shackles of a sensible life and have entered the realm of myth. Working full-time, dedicating the best part of the day, of our energy, of our lives... to theatre! It is exhilarating to wake up every day knowing that creation awaits. Since early January we have been devising our new show, FLEET. This is a myth and follows the Hero's journey as he voyages out into the unknown. The work is very physical and beautifully acoustic. The show will debut at the Wellington Fringe then we'll set off around the South Island then... off to South America! Loopen will be touring FLEET in South America whilst soaking up the culture and taking as many courses as possible. But don't worry, we will be returning late this year to fire into a couple of pipe-line projects. Let us know if you are keen to be involved. Things are happening...
'Til next time...
Ciao,
Lis
PS: Visit our website to see our groovy poster (gracias Marcela).
www.loopen-experiment.co.nz |
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| The stranger the better |
[Dec. 14th, 2006|09:58 am] |
Update #200006
And here we are on the other side of The Loopen Experience, our 10 week workshop series on creating physical theatre. The course looked at using improvisation, dance, honesty, physicality, character and text to create physical theatre. The dedicated participants created a show using these aspects to generate material. It was great having a regular meeting of passionate individuals. To meet each week to train our bodies, challenge our imaginations and to push our personal boundaries was just wonderful and the end result both beautiful and slightly disturbing. Workshops will start up again in the new year and if you are interested in being a part of these flick us an email. We like to keep the classes small so the sooner the better me thinks.
Other Loopen happenings: Marcela and Michael have been touring the South Island sourcing and booking venues for our South Island FLEET tour next year. Wellington FRINGE preparations are well under way and we have secured a spot at BATS and have been granted Kakano funding to help us on our way (thanks guys!). Thanks to all the helpers and participants in our QUIZ last night- congratulations to the Axis of Evil, who took out 1st place!
For now, I bid you adieu...
Keep smiling at strangers.
-Lis
www.loopen-experiment.co.nz |
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| The Loopen Experience... |
[Oct. 11th, 2006|11:04 pm] |
Namaste!
Monday saw the beginning of The Loopen Experience, a 10 week long series of hard-core, focussed and disciplined training sessons. These are centred on the question 'how can we use (insert something here) to create physical theatre?' The first of these sessions was looking at the use of improvisation in the creation of physical theatre. After intensive vocal and physical warm-ups the group were instructed on the fundamentals of improvisation. The art of offering and receiving was explored and culminated in the creation of moving shapes. From here we will progress to looking at dance and how we can use dance (along with improvisation) to create physical theatre.
Til next time!
Let the sun shine in...
Lis
www.loopen-experiment.co.nz |
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