Info
The Art House Presents
a SHAUN PARKER & COMPANY Production
IN THE ZONE
Hip-hop dance meets gaming technology in this groundbreaking new work by Shaun Parker & Company.
Conceived by award-winning choreographer Shaun Parker and digital sound designer Alon Ilsar, IN THE ZONE is not only fun and exciting dance theatre, but it also empowers young audiences to consider themes such as technology, man-made global warming, personal choice and resilience.
IN THE ZONE features captivating new technology called AirSticks, developed by Alon Ilsar, which create live sound through movement and features Western Sydney hip-hop artist Libby Montilla and choreography by award-winning director Shaun Parker.
With AirSticks technology in the hands of Libby Montilla, the audience enters the world of a video game through the dance forms of locking, popping, waving and body-ticking, inspired by the stunning soundscape which includes crunchy electronica, atmospheric strings, funky drum loops and the sounds of birds, ocean waves and nature - all intrinsically linked to Libby’s outstanding body animation and storytelling in a bravura solo performance.
IN THE ZONE takes gaming and escapism as a point of inspiration and celebrates the spectacular worlds that we can explore with technology today. It also examines the potential for loss of control through gaming, encouraging a renewed appreciation for nature. IN THE ZONE provides young audiences (and the young at heart) with the insight that they are much more in control of their own emotional responses than they think they are.
A perfect show for the entire family, with adults enjoying the show just as much as their children!
•••
“It felt like I was actually in the places being acted in by the dancer.”- Zach, 9 years
“Energetic exploration...It was about video games, and discovery/exploration, and about climate change. The guitar at war was GOLD! I was Amused, and enjoyed exploring with him (discovering each world)”- Finn, 15 years
“...original, trendy, uplifting”- Vale, 12 years
“It was exceptional, innovative, creative. It involved the whole audience. The use of technology is just incredible.”- Jenny Nadin, 69 years old
“My students at Kelly’s Plains are so engaged. What a performance!”- Mark Annetts, Principal from Kelly’s Plains Public School
Cast & Creatives
Director/Choreographer | Shaun Parker
Sound and Instrument Designer | Alon Ilsar
Dancer | Libby Montilla
Lighting Designer | Ben Brockman
Associate Dramaturg | Felicity Nicol
Education Resource Writer | Olivia Karaolis
Production Stage Manager & Lighting Realiser | Wun Zee
Producers | Zoë Hollyoak, Shiya Lu & Andy Currums
Production Coordinator | Joel Fenton
Reviews
“Montilla brought a contagious energy to the stage, performing with a level of precision that was captivating to watch. Montilla’s ability to effortlessly transition between moods was enhanced by Shaun Parkers’strong direction...In The Zone is a hypnotic piece of solo dance theatre that marks a triumphant return of live performance to the Seymour Centre...In The Zone paves the way for the revival of the performing arts industry in New South Wales.”- Honi Soit Culture Reviews
“...groundbreaking new work!”- ArtsHub
“...takes audiences on a journey.”- Broadsheet
“Solo performer, Libby Montilla, impressed his audience with the highly detailed precision of his hip-hop and street dance skills. Make no mistake, this dancer’s virtuosity within his own style of dance is as impressive, as graceful and fluid as any of this country’s top ballet or contemporary dancers. Over almost an hour (without intermission), Montilla used his movement and mimetic skills, musicality, dynamic range, comedic timing and the Airsticks themselves to carry the audience into the depths of a shared immersive and imaginative experience… Highly recommended. And likely of particular interest to the young and anyone with an interestin gaming and/or new technologies.”- Dance Australia
