Artistically, Polytoxic's work strongly references
Polynesian and specifically Samoan culture, as well as drawing
freely from popular culture. The companys focus is on exploring
and challenging postcard stereotypes of Polynesian culture while
also developing a style that is theatrical and engaging. Far from
replicating traditional Samoan or Polynesian dances, the company
aims to 'push dance genre boundaries and debunk orientalist notions
of Polynesian dance as 'floor show' entertainment for Western
tourist consumption'. (Stephen Carleton, RealTime, Oct-Nov 03).
However, just as important is a theatrical performance aesthetic,
with much attention paid to costume design, facial and physical
characterisations, and humour (a key ingredient in Samoan culture).
Audience accessibility is also a strong impetus in Polytoxic's
work and therefore references to popular culture allow for the
creation of work that can reach and relate to as many cultures,
subcultures and sub-subcultures as possible. Working prolifically
over the past six years, Polytoxic has developed a unique movement
language which reflects each member's personal experiences, cultural
influences and contemporary environment.
Polytoxic is an independent Brisbane based dance
ensemble that fuses traditional Polynesian, contemporary and street
dance styles. The trio Lisa Fa'alafi, Efeso Fa'anana and Leah
Shelton have performed together in a diverse range of contexts
including independent dance and theatre seasons, children's performances,
gallery openings, fashion launches, festivals and commercial film,
most recently premiering their full-length performance work 'Teuila
Postcards' at the Afrika Pasifika Festival, Brisbane Powerhouse,
and directing a new work for Contact Inc. Other highlights include
Pasifika Seams - Dance Tracks at The Studio, Sydney Opera House
(a collaboration with numerous Pasifikan artists in dance, music
and fashion) and events including the recent QPACifika launch,
QPAC's Out of the Box Festival of Early Childhood, Queensland
Art Gallery's Asia Pacific Triennial, BEMAC World Music Cafe,
Stage X's Five to Midnight, Woodford Folk Festival and the Valley
Fiesta. The company also toured regional Queensland to exceptional
reviews with their children's work 'Green Bananas', presented
by Queensland Arts Council. |
