Off the Record — Force Majeure and Dance Integrated Australia

Overview

This epic, never-before-seen work asks one important question: how much of our true selves do we really share with the world? Created by Force Majeure in partnership with Dance Integrated Australia, it brings together artists with and without disability. And it's semi-autobiographical, sharing some of the performers' real life experiences on stage. Prepare to be moved, confronted, warmed and carried towards deeper empathy.

The cracking cast includes contemporary dancers Marnie Palomares and Jana Castillo, actor Gerard O'Dwyer, actor and disability advocate Alex Jones and Auslan interpreter Neil Phipps. "Off The Record is such a unique work," says Jones. "It's about shaking the discomfort out of people's skin and learning how to really understand people with disability."

"We've found five extraordinary, talented artists who are prepared to share deeply personal stories and to give a voice to things that are rarely discussed," says Force Majeure artistic director Danielle Micich.

Off The Record is the second piece to have been commissioned under New Normal, Carriageworks' national arts and disability strategy, which is supported by the NSW Government. Another eight works, covering performance, music, dance and visual arts, will be developed over the next three years.

In addition to the shows, an all-day masterclass will be held on Saturday, August 13. Open to artists and those who work within the arts, attendees will gain insights into the creative process that went into the work's creation.

Image: Gregory Lorenzutti.