STOMP is a non-traditional dance troupe (originating in Brighton, UK) that uses the body and ordinary objects to create a physical theatre performance (Wikipedia).
The objects, i.e. trash cans, chairs, newspapers, boxes of matches, lighters, sand, brooms, kitchen sinks, cans, lids, plastic bags, banana peels, and all the other “stuff” (remember “The Story of Stuff”by Anne Leonard?) found an interesting recycling destiny: they became musical instruments. Musicians: group of janitors, personified eloquently without words by the performers who are percussionists, dancers, and comical actors at the same time. Overall, an eye-opening experience, after which your outlook on ordinary evolves to the point where you see the whereabouts less commonplace but more nervy, venturous, and undiscovered.
It is very non-traditional, and it is unique. To this concert you can bring a can or any non-perishable product to put in the bin at the entrance. The Food Bank bin at the NAC entrance is not what you would see on any concert night.
The show has an interesting touring concept: there are three groups performing at the equal level of energy and spark, one is London/UK-based, and the other two are working in North America. Result: lots of enthusiastic spectators all over the world, and less carbon emissions.
These pictures are not of the show itself, they are of its presentiment. Couple more minutes, and your guts will vibrate, and "the rhythm is gonna get you". What is the music playing now in my head? Water Cooler Bottle Jazz – my favorite!
Watch these amazing moments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US7c9ASVfNc
STOMP is definitely something that i recommend everyone finds a time in their busy schedule and attend at some point in their lives. I agree with you that it is an eye opening experience. It really does open up your eyes on the world around you, and makes you realize just how much stuff you can use for instumental/musical use.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the entire show, and as i am not a very big fan of Broadway shows, this show kept me at the edge of my seat the entire 2 hours...which actually felt more like 30 minutes. I enjoyed everything about it, but the musical performace done by lighting and putting out lighters was by far my favourite part of the whole evening.
The show also added a definite interesting outlook to promote recycling. Instead of throwing all the stuff, why not use them as instruments:]
Well, in otherwords, the overall performace was spectacular, and I definitely hope to be able to see STOMP in action again:]