Footnote

Rolls of plain newsprint unravel, creating a perfect backdrop for Footnote’s opening set; this set also conveys the number-eight-wire inventiveness that Footnote’s director, Deirdre Tarrant, writes about in her homage to New Zealand identity in these times of recession. Suddenly, the innovative backdrop becomes an early motion-picture image: Jesse Wikiriwhi’s silhouette is starkly projected on-screen by backlit lighting; his sinuous, kinetic, almost robotic, movements are starkly defined by Andrew Foster’s technical mastery, (including slide-show images superimposed upon the dancer as if he were the screen). This exciting/experimental and textured work, choreographed by Malia Johnston, celebrates the life of New Zealand artist Len Lye in Lens 1. Throughout their scintillating 55 minute set, Footnote celebrates creative/inspirational New Zealanders such as: Douglas Lilburn in Somebody’s Darling, choreographed by the wonderful Michael Parmenter, and performed with exquisite physicality and pathos by Francis Christeller; and Ladyhawke in Firecracker, choreographed by Sarah Foster and danced with explosive grace by Anita Hunziker. But this is a mere glimpse of this outstanding dance troupe, which also includes Sarah Knox, Jeremy Poi, and Claire Lissamen, whose spellbinding performances, and acrobatic counterpoise create Footnote’s brilliant dialogue of dance.