SIREN

SIREN is a unique multidisciplinary seaside performance that explores our concern for the care of our oceans. The work investigates the human relationship with the environment and the need to revive and foster a connection back to nature. The combination of sand-based dance, wearable art and an original sound composition delivers an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

SIREN is a free 45-minute pop-up performance which takes place during sunset. Audiences can expect to see five SIREN creatures (dancers) who are dressed in upcycled leotards, sculptural headdresses made from recycled plastics and skeletal like crinoline skirts, adorned with recycled fabrics. The overall costume design was inspired by the bright ultraviolet colours and shapes of deep-sea creatures. These wearable art elements are designed to be worn on the body or taken off and built into freestanding sculptures on the beach. The sculptural elements are reminiscent of a sea creature that has been washed ashore.

Presenting SIREN outdoors offers the community access to live performance in a relaxed environment outside of a traditional theatre space. We invite people to bring a towel, beach chair or picnic rug and relax with some nibbles while they enjoy this unique sunset performance.

Form and Style

SIREN is a hybrid performance of contemporary dance, original composition and wearable art. The performance space is marked out on the sand by the speaker system with the ocean in the background. The speakers have special sculptural pieces made from hessian and crochet which enable the space to become a magical playground for the creatures to inhabit. The dancers enter from the sand, slowly making their way to the performance space. There is rubbish and other debris that is buried in the sand and collected to drive home the messaging and intention of the piece.

The dancing utilizes the sand to inform and create and intriguing and unique movement language. The dancers can be seen through the show take on different forms depending on how they layer their sculptural pieces on their bodies.

The sculptures are set pre-show and taken away 20min prior to the performance. These sculptural elements are free standing and colourful which are very engaging for younger children.

We have a pre-show playlist and invite the audience to arrive 30minutes prior to the start of the show to have a picnic and soak in the environment.

Community Engagement

SIREN’s community engagement programs can include workshops in dance and sculpture making. We can offer movement meditation classes for General Public on the beach or a more formal dance workshop at a community centre. We offer an interactive, family friendly workshop where children are invited to play and explore within the imaginary world created by the SIREN creatures and a sculpture workshop in how to repurpose plastics and fabrics to create artworks. We want to encourage communities to engage in beach clean ups and reconsider how they can reduce reuse and recycle plastic and clothing waste.

Reviews

“I attended the show on Friday evening at Scarborough Beach and found it to be a great experience and spectacle. The story the dancers told in their performance, the costumes and music were all excellent against the amazing backdrop of the surf and sand at this iconic beach. Well worth seeing for sure.” – Nigel W, Fringe Feed

“A stunning, thought evoking piece. Siren is a beautiful display of creativity, talent and athleticism. The thought behind the piece and how it interacts with the physical surroundings is incredible.” – Brittany Z, Fringe Feed

“What a fantastic community event with Fringe! The dancers took you through all the emotions with their piece highlighting the importance of keeping our oceans and beaches clean. A brilliant musical score to support. Costumes were out of this world. Can we also talk about the location – amazing!!” – Megan R, Fringe Feed

Available Marketing Collaterals

Professional Poster

Promotional Video and Images

Dedicated website link – www.gogidancecollective.com/work/siren

Media release

Credits

Talitha Maslin is an emerging choreographer specialising in site specific dance film and works between regional WA and Perth.

Ashleigh White is an under 30 artist who has directed and produced many site-specific dance works and built a well respected profile and body of work as co-founder and co-director for Gogi Dance Collective.

Mimi Dennett is a well established sculptural artist living in regional NSW.

Kristie Rowe is a mother of 2 young girls who works as a visual artist and designer. She has previously run a fashion label with her mother and their designs have featured in Vouge magazine

Cr0nes (Tess Stephenson) identifies as non-binary and is creating the sound for the work. They play in several bands in the Perth metro area as well as working as a producer for Moana.

Dancers Sarah Chaffey, Montserrat Heras and Isabel Wartmann are incredible artist collaborators and performers on the project. Their movement and performance presence is masterful and powerful.