KAGE, the creative partnership of Kate Denborough and Gerard Van Dyck, celebrates its 15 year anniversary in 2012 – remembering the diverse, funny, original and moving body of work created over the last 15 years while looking to the company's future: launching the 2012 season, announcing the recipients of the 2012 KAGE COACH mentoring program, and providing a sneak peak of three new works in development.
In 2012, the company presents their acclaimed work SUNDOWNER at theGeelong Performing Arts Centre from 18 – 21 April, and Arts Centre Melbourne from the 8 – 13 May. SUNDOWNER, starring actor Helen Morse, combines dance, drama and original composition to reflect the experiences and frustrations of younger onset dementia.
KAGE has also announced the 2012 participants of KAGE COACH – MENTORING, an intensive development program for emerging artists. The 2012 KAGE COACH mentorees are Josh Lynzaat and Hannah Roe (VIC), Joshua Lowe (TAS), Helen Duncan and Elanor Webber (WA), and Alexandra Talamo (VIC). The highly sought after program provides rehearsal space, access to office facilities, DVD documentation, a professional photo shoot, introductions to industry contacts, financial assistance and the opportunity to present work at an informal showing at the Abbotsford Convent.
The company is working on three new pieces currently in development, to be performed in 2013/2014. Working with Bruce Gladwin of Back to Back Theatre, FLESH AND BONE sees Denborough return to the stage for the first time in over 10 years, performing alongside Van Dyck. FLESH AND BONE will challenge the audience's perception and expectations about sexuality and relationships. FORKLIFT combines the talents of two contemporary circus performers, Henna Kaikula and Chelsea McGuffin, pushing the boundaries of circus and dance. TEAM OF LIFE has KAGE once again working with writer and social worker David Denborough (Sundowner, Headlock) on a work celebrating the skills, hopes, dreams and journeys of young indigenous Australians and refugees, using the physical language of football and dance.
Kate Denborough and Gerard Van Dyck met whilst completing a Bachelor of Dance at the VCA in 1992. The two formed an immediate and unique affiliation, united by a desire to incorporate drama, theatre, humour and design into their dance work.
Kate Denborough said "Gerard and I clicked straight away, when we were paired up in a composition class – the girls lined up on one wall, the boys on the other, with the girls all taller than the boys! We were both interested in collaborating and improvising with students from outside the dance school. We've always had faith in each other and an unspoken commitment to one another and our vision. The creative process is enjoyable, unpredictable, filled with laughter and irreverence."
Gerard Van Dyck said "everything that Kate and I shared when we first met, we still have: a strong design aesthetic, an appreciation of the power of suggestion in dance, a love of meeting and working with new people and collaborating, and an absurd sense of humour. These elements continue to inform all KAGE works."