Theatre Company: UrbanYOUTHMovement
Director: Neil Ieremia
Dancers: Ruby Ala’i, Lucy Lynch, Briana Chapman, Skye-Leanne Hurst, Nita Latu, Chris Ofanoa, Angelica Osuji, Rodolfo Villanueva, Laura Watkin, Ashlea Williams, Kimberley Young, Xinia Alderson
Location: Playhouse Theatre (Glen Eden)

Synopsis (from Auckland Festival brochure):

“I told these young people that my perception of their generation is that they binge drink, are impatient and want everything NOW. They are unable to make a lasting commitment, are generally lazy and wouldn’t know what a hard day’s work was if it kicked them in the backside.

Then I told them to prove me wrong”

-Black Grace Artistic Director Neil Ieremia

From nearly every walk of life, from all over Auckland, young dancers between the ages of 16-21 are led through a demanding and often life changing creative process to voice their concerns, face their fears and express their hopes for their generation.

Thoughts on this Production:

I was expecting lots of energy and some really great music. And I was not disappointed. This action packed, one hour performance was ‘chock full’ of raw energy and power. And there was some great music. For the record, it included:

• Creator by Santogold, Freq Nasty and Switch (Santogold Album)
• Black Mud by The Black Keys (Brothers Album)
• Boogie by Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears (Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is! Album)
• Smack my Bitch Up by The Prodigy (Their Law: Singles 1990-2005 Album)
• The Cousin of Death by Beastie Boys (The Mix-Up Album)
• Close to Me by The Cure (Greatest Hits Album)

But this production was SO much more. It dealt well with some pretty heavy issues - drugs, domestic violence, the drinking culture, high-school fights on YouTube and the tragedy of lives needlessly lost on the road. And, when it wasn’t thought provoking it just made me feel good. I often caught myself sitting there with a dumb grin on my face. The choreography was fun, inventive and thoroughly engaging.