Lost in Place @ Mona Foma
“Jazz, comedy, butoh, beaks, ropes, kicks, dead, thrive, family, tea, running, smile, fear, 4 hour x 2 day sessions, voice, scream, laughter, solitude, awkward, explosive, community, land, sunshine, beer, tears and something extra-ordinary.
The pilgrimage to the place of loss - to find a new place. ”
ABOUT
The creative rationale of this new work draws from poetic notions of "place" and "space" that are central to the collaborative process behind I Hold the Lion’s Paw (IHTLP) and shakes them up through a radical fusion with Butoh: a marginal Japanese dance practice.
‘Space’ and ‘Place’
In IHTLP’s work, poetic notions of "place" and "space" are employed to provoke a meditation on our growing need to navigate a path through overwhelming social, economic and global turmoil, as we seek a place – both as a society and as a creative ensemble – to land. These conceptual themes were originally explored in IHTLP’s latest studio album, which is also called 'Lost in Place'.
Duration plays a key role in examining these provocations through this new multi-art form work. Our connection to and experience of "place" and "space" is in a continually evolving and complex relationship with the passing of time; and one of the most powerful elements of live art making is its ability transform these relationships for the audience.
Durational performance allows a sincere vantage point of the creative continuum that underpins the collaborative framework of 'Lost in Place'. There is no start or end to the work, instead, audiences are invited to get "lost in place" with the artists in a world where time, place and space operate differently. The deliberate nod towards the iconic sci-fi TV series ‘Lost in Space’ and Sun Ra’s revolutionary free jazz record ‘Space is the Place’ also offers a wider frame of reference and connection for the audience as they navigate this experience.
(all texts above are from Lost in Place — Reuben Lewis)
CREATORS
I Hold the Lion’s Paw (IHTLP)
Reuben Lewis Composer, trumpet, pedals, synths, Movement
Emily Bennett Synth, voice, electronics, movement
Joseph Franklin Guitar, bass, flute, movement:
Ronny Ferella Drums, movement
Yumi Umiumare Dance/Choreography
Taka Takiguchi Choreography, installation
Eri Mullooly-Hill Konishi マルリヒル小⻄ 江莉 Dancer
Risa Muramatsu Ray 村松 利紗 Dancer
CREDITS
Photography: Mona Foma 2023
Video/Editing: www.mindtakesflight.com
PRODUCTION HISTORY
PREMIERE
Sat 18 & Sun 19 Feb 2023
10-16 Wellington Street, Launceston
Tasmania Australia
Development
Dec 2021 & Dec 2022
Mechanical Institute Brunswick
Details
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Australis Council for the Arts
Next Waves
Mona Foma Festival
SUPPORTERS
The first and second developments of ‘Lost in Place’ occurred at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute (VIC) in partnership with the Next Wave organisation prior to a premiere performance season at Mona Foma in 2023.
This project has been assisted by Next Wave and the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
In recognition of the deep history and culture of Lutruwita, we acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional owners of the Land upon which Lost in Place was performed. We acknowledge and pay our respects to all Tasmanian Aboriginal Communities; all of whom have survived invasion and dispossession, and continue to maintain their identity and culture.