A LATE BLOOMER
Anchored in how we carry history in our bodies and into the future; what is lost and what is worth saving?
© 2023 Sherwynd Kessler Photography
“I love that I learnt so much while my heart and emotions were overjoyed. A complete piece of theatre, totally satisfying. BRILLIANT! ”
Mythical DAnCE
I was first inspired by restorative histories after visiting several beautiful mansions in Penang. It seemed that each mansion tendered its spirits in the stairwells, landings, walls and hidden spaces and that this would make a wonderful premise to bring them to life through dance.
The live performance featured here is the first presentation of A Late Bloomer.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion generously opened its doors for us to explore and present some of the mystery found within. Local dance groups collaborated with independent dance artists from across Southeast Asia.
Penang’s archeological sites, gardens, temples, jungles and jetties offered a rich palette for contemplation of how global trade and local heritage shape our identities. In this cross-cultural exchange we also began dreaming up new ideas; reimagining the live performance with virtual reality, and for the work to be an immersive experience for audiences across Southeast Asia and internationally.
Three exquisite dancers respond to living spaces within a captivating narrative. Dance DNA is the somatic process that initiates a bespoke movement aesthetic from each artist’s dance tradition.
A Late Bloomer is engaging fable of otherworldly places told by spirits who pass on its ancient wisdom and lost narratives. Anchored in cultural memory and how we carry stories in our bodies, it asks the audience to contemplate, what stays with us and what gets left behind?
CREDITS
Choreographer, Concept, Director | Annalouise Paul
Cast | Chan Kar Kah, Ruby Jayaseelan, Sun Phitthaya Phaefuang
Dramaturg | Anny Mokotow
Penang Partners | Angel Community Care, Blue Mansion, Penang Euphoria Modern Dance Company, George Town Festival, Hunza Group, Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Straits and Oriental Museum, Tropical Spice Garden.
Funding Partners | Australia High Commission Canberra and Malaysia, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Create NSW.
Presented in collaboration with Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya, Pulau Pinang and Pinang Peranakan Mansion. A Late Bloomer VR concepts were made in collaboration with Maitree House (Penang).
Initially supported through AUSTRALIA NOW program of the Australia High Commission in Malaysia.
