E X P A I NLNO RM A L

17 - 26 OCTOBER 2019

SUE BENNER THEATRE ,

METRO ARTS

BY DANIELE CONSTANCE

IN COLLABORAT ION WITH

AHA ENSEMBLE AND

PHLUXUS2 DANCE

COLLECT IVE

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Two years ago during our first creative development here at Metro Arts, one of our artists Tara asked us to “Explain Normal”. We found, we couldn’t. And so, the basis for this show was born! We placed this provocation under a microscope and held it in our bodies, we’ve all related to and not related to certain elements of it. What is normal? Can this construct be dismantled and be a celebration?

Explain Normal is a collaboration between artists from Aha Ensemble, Phluxus2 Dance Collective and myself. This work values the input and creative practice of artists with disability as active collaborators and leading artists within the creative process – which in itself, is not the “norm” across many mainstream arts practices and projects. It is about centralising these voices and embracing these truly wonderful artists on our stages.

What I think we’ve learned in the making of this work, is that there’s a whole spectrum of perceived “normal” and normal behaviour. This show is about celebrating the parts of normalcy that we find difficult to reconcile with as well as celebrating our own “normalcy”. In this show, we get to decide.

Explain Normal has been incredibly important to make and I would like to give the grandest of thanks to all the artists, collaborators and supporters that have helped to bring it all together.

We are normal.We are not normal.We are everything in-between.

Daniele Constance

ABOUT AHA ENSEMBLE & PHLUXUS2 DANCE COLLECTIVE

Aha Ensemble have been working together since 2015 in the development of artists living with disability and impairment in South East Queensland. Under the direction of Daniele Constance, this physical theatre based ensemble explores the diverse uses, values and representations of the body. It challenges the norms of creating performance based works with differently abled bodies.

The award winning Phluxus2 Dance Collective creates boundary bashing and beautifully abstract stories through the transforming complexities of contemporary dance and dance theatre. Led by Artistic Director Dr Nerida Matthaei, the company encompasses a vast collective of Brisbane’s most exciting dance artists and is committed to continuing to create unique and inspired work connected and invested in all aspects of our community.

CREATIVESDANIELE CONSTANCEDirector

NERIDA MATTHAEI Choreographer

RUBY DONOHOE Assistant Director

MIN COLLIE-HOLMES Dramaturgy

EMMA-JUNE CURIKCreative Producer

JOSEPH BURGESS Sound & AV Design

JORGE SERRA Photography / Videography

KEITH CLARK Lighting Design

TEEGAN KRANENBURG Lighting Operator / Stage Manager

SPECIAL THANKS

Special thanks to the parents, carers and support workers that make this work possible, you are not invisible, we see you and we thank you! Metro Arts - For taking a chance on me and this collaboration, without your encouragement and support we would not be here. Nerida Matthaei - For believing in the work long before we had any support and staying with us all the way. Rebecca Dostal - Our tireless theatre mum and biggest fan, thank you for all that you give. Jorge Serra - You made it possible for everyone to see what we see. Ruby Donohoe - You’ve made this work shine, thank you for all your incredibly hard work, mass marketing and creative steering. Queensland Theatre - Thank you for the meat curtains! Amelia Stokes and Michael Smith for your previous creative play. Min, Emma-June, Joseph, Keith, Teegan - all our performing artists - you’ve all donated your time and creativity generously, thank you.

RUBY DONOHOE

Performers:

KAYAH GUENTHER

CHARLES BALL

REBECCA DOSTAL

NADIA MILFORD

MEGAN LOUISE WEST

ALLYCIA STAPLES

MITCHELL RUNICE

TARA HEARD

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Metro Arts and the artists acknowledge the Jagera and Turrbal peoples, as the custodians of this land, recognising their connection to land, waters and community. We honour the story-telling and art-making at the heart of First Nation’s cultures, and the enrichment it gives to the lives of all Australians. Always was, Always will be.

Metro Arts’ Programming Team:

Jo ThomasCEO + Creative Director

Verity Woodford Senior Producer

Matt Seery Associate Producer

Shani Gould Programming and Marketing Coordinator

Metro Arts is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. Metro Arts is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, part of the Department of

Environment and Science. Daniele Constance is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and through its Queensland Arts Showcase Program. The Creative Sparks Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Brisbane

City Council to support local arts and culture in Brisbane. Metro Arts is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council.

Metro Arts is proudly supported by TAFE Queensland as Education Partner. Metro Arts is proud partner of Bones Accounting, Dendy Cinemas, EPSON, and The Victory Hotel.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.