Phantoms Of Us 2011

 

                        

                                                                  

Phantoms Of Us explores the struggle for freedom and individuality within a group identity. As the rhythmic accompaniment sets in, the dancers emerge from beneath large projected images by Sue Williams . They suggest figments of the imagination, or shadows from another time. They are reminiscent of cave drawings, imprinted or projected onto the dancers like hollow representations of themselves. There is a sense of something overseeing you and empowering you, creating a haunting sensation.

 

The costumes act as a second layer of skin to reveal the bodily form and compel the mind to focus on the sheer physicality of the movement of these androgynous forms. When we reach beyond our superficial identity, it forces us to look within ourselves. There is something very powerful about seeing a person in their purest form. Stripping away the layers of what we hide behind gives a real sense of vulnerability and if we dare to let ourselves be vulnerable we can access a deeper form of courage.

 

"Eleesha Drennan proved she is one to watch with her mesmerising piece Phantoms Of Us.” - Natalie Crockett ,South Wales Argus 31/01/12

 

“This evocative work showed the dancers to good advantage”- Jonathan Gray Jan 6 2012 Dancing Times (on Phantoms of Us)

 

 

Choreography: Eleesha Drennan

Visual artist: Sue Williams

Music: Bumbo and Dark Eyes by Moondog; Waltzing Above Ground by Guy Klucevsek; Duhast and T’ma by Vespercellos

Lighting Design: Joe Fletcher

Costume Maker: Angharad Spencer

Commissioned by NDCWales

Dancers: Annabeth Berkeley, Lee Johnston, Karol Cysewski, Eran Gisin, Neus Gil Cortés, Ygal Tsur, Gareth Mole and Nicholas Bodych