Arts_Qld.gif

Mailing List

If you would like to receive regular updates about Zen Zen Zo's productions, training intensives and programs, you can now join our MAILING LIST. Emails are sent out every one to two months, keeping all our clients up to date on the latest information.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LIST

 
My Sublime Shadow

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MY SUBLIME SHADOW - NOW SHOWING

mss_jacob_sm.jpg

mss_emjacob_sm.jpg    mss_daleemma_sm2.jpg  

mss_dalejill_sm.jpg

mss_emma_sm.jpg   mss_jill_sm.jpg

mss_group_sm.jpg

Photography by Simon Woods

 

mss_250x306px.jpg

Director: Lynne Bradley
Composers: Emma Dean & Jacob Diefenbach
LX Designer: Ben Hughes
Costume Designer: Marysia Aves
Choreographers: Steven Mitchell Wright, Dale Thorburn, Jamie Kendall, Kali Chandrasegaram
Performers: Emma Dean,Jacob Diefenbach, Jillian Geurts,Dale Thorburn

My Sublime Shadow is a risqué new work that fuses the decadent German Weimar Republic Cabaret, with Zen Zen Zo’s infamous dance-theatre.

This IN THE RAW Studio Seaon show combines the talents of Zen Zen Zo senior company members Dale Thorburn and Jillian Geurts with long-term collaborators, singer/songwriters Emma Dean and Jacob Diefenbach.

The show investigates the Jungian archetype of the Shadow, which represents our darker sides, unacceptable impulses, chaotic wild selves, our demons, our fears. The Shadow comes out to play in dreams, fantasies, nightmares... Jung insists that the only path forward is to meet our Shadows, to confront them, to "devour" them.

My Sublime Shadow will be a naughty night of cabaret and dance-theatre featuring both famous and original songs sung by Emma Dean and Jacob Diefenbach, as they journey inexorably towards meeting and "devouring" their shadows...

Are You ready to devour yours?

Dates: 31 August - 4 September, 2010 (One Week Only!)
Times: Tues/Wed/Thurs 8.00pm; Fri 9.00pm; Sat 8.00pm & 10.30pm
Tickets:
$35 (Adults) $25 (Conc & Groups 10+)
Venue: Old Museum Building, Bowen Hills
Bookings:+6 (7) 3252 5540 OR
http://www.webticketing.com.au/DisplayEvent.aspx?eventid=65
Dress: Cabaret-style (encouraged but ot compulsory!)

The IN THE RAW Studio Season is part of Zen Zen Zo’s annual curatorial performance program. It was created in 2005 to provide a space for the company to return to its experimental roots, performing new, challenging and edgy works in found spaces. Past IN THE RAW Studio Seasons have included Those with Lucifer, Sub-Con Warrior 1, Dracula, Zeitgeist, GAIA, Dante’s Inferno, and The Tempest (which won the Matilda Award for Best Independent Production in 2009).

in the raw logosmall.jpg

ozcologo.jpg

 

 

 

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.


 
Melbourne Teachers Training Course

ttc08.jpgEarly Bird rate closing soon!

THIS COURSE IS FULL EVERY YEAR - BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

Now in its 9th year, Zen Zen Zo's popular Teachers' Training Course provides a practical insight into the dynamic world of physical theatre. Led by Zen Zen Zo Artistic and Associate Directors, the course is broken into two sessions:

SESSION #1
PHYSICAL ACTOR TRAINING

DATES: Mon - Wed, 20 - 22 Sept

TIMES: 9 am - 5 pm

VENUE: Fusion Dance & Lifstyle Studios, 478 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC

BOOKINGS: https://www.online247.com.au/zenzenzo/courses.php

or phone the Zen Zen Zo office - 07 32525540

The aim of this 3-day intensive is to introduce the 3 physical theatre methods that Zen Zen Zo has specialized in for the past 18 years: The Suzuki Method of Actor Training, Butoh Dance-Theatre and The Viewpoints. Teachers will come away with a solid understand of each of these methods as well as many new exercises that can be taught in the classroom.

SESSION #2
CREATING PHYSICAL THEATRE

DATES: Thur - Fri, 23 - 24 Sept

TIMES: 9 am - 5 pm

VENUE: Fusion Dance & Lifstyle Studios, 478 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 

BOOKINGS: https://www.online247.com.au/zenzenzo/courses.php

or phone the Zen Zen Zo office - 07 32525540

This 2-day intensive will focus on the process of creating physical theatre. Based on Zen Zen Zo's methodologies, the participants will learn how to take training into rehearsal and performance, as well as how to create devised work from scratch. Participants can only take part in this course if they have completed the Physical Actor Training session either this year, or in previous years.

Full 5-day course - $594  GST Incl

3-day course - $464 GST Incl

2-day course  - $308 GST Incl


Zen Zen Zo's Teachers' Training Course is a must for any teacher looking to introduce their students to Physical Theatre! This course is open to primary and secondary teachers and education students with any level of experience or fitness.


TESTIMONIALS:

"I reveled, once again, in being a maker of Theatre and tapping into the actor-me that doesn't get a look-in in the classroom. Just as importantly, through this highly practical experience, I gained the body-knowledge and conceptual understanding of the practitioner to feed into my class work. If this sounds confronting to you - don't be put off - Lynne and her team skillfully and carefully led us through  this week of structured fun with professionalism and insight." - Michael Galloway, Santa Sabina College (Sydney)


"The course for me was challenging, personally and professionally, and has renewed my confidence not only to teach Drama but to approach life with energy and passion! ‘Enter the problem' is now my answer to ‘What gives you courage?'.  Fear and possibility have become the same thing." - Michelle Carey, Brisbane Boys' College

 
Spring Stomp: Training Retreat

NEW!!  SPRING STOMP: Montville Training Retreat

kat-in-montville-field.jpgEarly Bird Pricing closes 3 September! Limited Places.

This week-long physical theatre training intensive led by Artistic Director Lynne Bradley and assisted by Company members will cover all of Zen Zen Zo’s core training systems including daily fitness sessions, the Suzuki Actor Training Method, the Viewpoints, Butoh and Composition. Each of these Methods are dynamic, internationally recognized approaches to making work for the stage.

Participants will be immersed in the art of physical theatre in a small group environment (16 max) and will receive regular feedback and guidance from the instructors. The course is carefully designed as a week-long journey of development - both personally and artistically. As well as exploring the possibilities of theatre craft in training, participants will also create a series of short pieces (or “Compositions”) that reflect and express an aspect of their own core beliefs as a person and artist. This provides an opportunity to put skills into practice and also to reflect on your core artistic worldview.

interst_banner.jpg

Montville is the location where Zen Zen Zo has created most of the company’s signature works. The tranquil rainforest environment fosters a sense of calm focus away from the distractions of our daily lives. This program includes 8 hours of training per day and is therefore not for the faint of heart. However Spring Stomp issues a genuine challenge to those wanting to deepen their artistic awareness and practice.

Please click here to download brochure

montville-fire-ritual.jpgDATES: Sun 3 – Fri 8 October, 2010 (1 Week)

TIMES: 7.00am - 7.00pm

COSTS: Early Bird* Fee: $390 Adults/ $340 Conc.

Full Fee: $440 Adults/ $390 Conc. + $150 per week for food & accommodation.

*Early Bird – booked & paid one month prior to start of course.

Or book online!

https://www.online247.com.au/zenzenzo/courses.php
Read more...
 
The Silenced - Youth Production

the silenced 10 sized for web.jpgCo-presented by Mount Saint Michael's College and Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre, this is an all-female production inspired by Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and the writings of Foucault (specifically "Madness and Civilisation"). Taking place in a mental institution, THE SILENCED is an exposition of Ophelia's journey into madness and the response of the people that care for her. Incorporating physical theatre, dance, song and poetry, THE SILENCED provides a modern take on one of Shakespeare's most mysterious and underwritten women, Ophelia.

"
Madness deals not so much with truth and the world, as with man and whatever truth about himself he is able to perceive." (Foucault, "Madness and Civilisation)


Directed by Harriet Devlin, choreography by Krystal Hart and featuring performances from the Senior Drama students at Mount Saint Michael's College,
this production is part of Zen Zen Zo's annual Youth Production series created through the InSchools Program Directing Residencies. For more information about this program, click here .


DATE: Wednesday 15 September
TIME: 3:30pm (open dress rehearsal); 7:30pm (performance)
VENUE:
The Auditorium. Mount Saint Michael's College - 67 Elimatta Drive, Ashgrove.

Photo: Jessica Lee Samin - 2010

 
Company Internship

THERE WILL BE NO INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN 2011

frontcover.jpg

After 7 years of running the Zen Zen Zo Internship Program, the company is taking a break in 2011.  The Internship will recommence from 2012, running from July-November.  Applications for the 2012 Internship will be due in Feb 2012 (for International candidates) and April 2012 (for Australian candidates).  The brochure will be available from mid-2011.

In 2011 we will however be offering 2 Internship placements for a Producer and an Administrator from January-July. These positions will be mentored in an on-the-job capacity by Artistic Director Lynne Bradley, Company Manager Mary-Ann Vale, and Producer Hannah Myers. 

There will be no fee associated with the 2011 Internship Secondment positions.

The selected applicants will work in the Zen Zen Zo office two days a week (Monday + Wednesday/Thursday) for six months from January-July, 2011.  In addition, the two Interns will also participate in 5 seminars with the Artistic Director in the areas of Administration, Producing, Marketing, Grant Writing, and Finance.  During this time all Zen Zen Zo actor training will be available to the Interns free of charge if they wish to attend (including Stomping Ground, Winter Stomp, Physical Actor Training and Butoh).

 
2011 Internship Secondment Application Process

  • Applicants should send a 1-2 page letter to the Artistic Director by 5pm Thursday 30 September, 2010 outlining:

1.     Why do you want to do the Internship?

2.     What are your short and long-term career goals?

3.     What is your past experience in the performing arts industry? (please also attach a CV)

4.     Why Zen Zen Zo?

  • Short-listed applicants will be required to sit an interview with the Artistic Director


 
A Catch of the Breath - now showing @ Metro Arts

catch_poster_sm.jpgWe congratulate directing intern graduate and past company member Robert Thwaites on his debut of director-creator of a new theatre work A Catch of the Breath, performing as part of the Metro Arts Independents program. Don't miss this stunning new physical theatre work!

Brisbane-born poet Michael Thwaites, winner of the prestigious Newdigate Prize and Kings Medal for poetry (putting him in the company of Judith Wright and Les Murray), left behind a body of work that grapples with the themes of his generation – the immensity of space, the terror or mortality, the wonders of nature and the legacy we leave. Director and grandson Robert Thwaites breathes new dimension into his verse in a performance of dynamic physicality, original music and powerful spoken word.

Featuring Emma Che Martin, Robbie O’Brien, David Pawsey, Peta Ward

SEASON: NOW SHOWING Wednesday 18 August - Saturday 4 September at Sue Benner Theatre, Metro Arts, 109 Edward St, Brisbane.

Tickets: Adults $20/ Conc. $16/ Group (10+) $12/ CHEAP TUESDAYS $12 (door tickets only).

BOOK ONLINE at www.metroarts.com.au or call Metro Arts on 3002 7100

 
ZEITGEIST gets an International Tour

zeitgeist_edinburgh.jpgThe spectacular surrealism of Zeitgeist has captivated and confronted audiences both here in Australia and overseas over the past two years. After the production’s recent success at the Adelaide Fringe and the Australian Performing Arts Market, Zeitgeist has been invited to perform at the Nelson Arts Festival in New Zealand’s South Island this October.

Dates: 23 - 24 October, 2010

Times: Sat 9.00pm, Sun 6.00pm & 9.00pm

Venue: Theatre Royal, Rutherford Street, Nelson, New Zealand

 
Zen Zen Zo Returns to Japan
japandairakudakan.jpgIn August Zen Zen Zo was once again invited to train and perform with Dairakudakan, the world's oldest and largest Butoh company. 12 Company members and graduated Interns headed to Hakuba in rural Japan (for many their first visit to Japan) for intensive training in Butoh which culminated in "The Golden Show". The Dairakudakan company were wonderful hosts, and the exchange resulted in Artistic Director Lynne Bradley, Dale Thorburn and Martin Ventura being invited to work on the Dairakudakan tour to Mexico in October/November.

Early in 2009 Dairakudakan travelled to Brisbane to create a new work for the Zen Zen Zo Company - the very successful GAIA. We hope to once again bring Dairakudakan to Australia and present a full season of GAIA in the not too distant future.
 
Physical Actor Training - Brisbane & Melbourne

simon-leads-basic-3135212.jpgZen Zen Zo's weekly Physical Actor Training classes are designed specifically to equip actors for high energy, physical performance. The primary inspiration for this training has come from the Suzuki Method of Actor Training (Suzuki Company of Toga, Japan) and the Viewpoints (Saratoga International Theatre Institute, New York). The result is a process that cultivates the performer's physical energy, vocal quality and range, concentration, ensemble awareness and imagination. Physical Actor Training takes the actor out of the realm of daily life movement and habits and into a heightened state of physical awareness and expression. It suits individuals who enjoy a challenge and want to explore the possibilities of peak performance.

Brisbane

DATES: Term 3: 21 July – 15 Sept (6:30pm – 8:30pm) (No class 11 Aug- Ekka holiday)
Term 4: 13 Oct - 1 Dec (6:30pm – 8:30pm)
VENUE: Thomas Dixon Centre, West End
INSTRUCTORS: Simon Woods & Noa Rotem
COST: $125 conc / $150 Adults per Term (+ one-off $10 registration fee for new-comers). Payment in full is required before the start of each term. Prices are GST inclusive.

Melbourne

DATES: Term 3: 20 July – 7 Sept (7pm – 9pm)
Term 4: 5 Oct - 30 Dec (7pm – 9pm)
VENUE: J Studios, North Fitzroy
INSTRUCTORS: Damian Bernardo & Hannah Fox
COST: $145 conc/ $160 Adults per Term (+ $10 Registration Fee for newcomers) Payment in full is required before the start of each term. Prices are GST inclusive. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information or to sign up.

 
Youth Physical Actor Training - Brisbane

 juliaaaronandrobbie160632.jpgZen Zen Zo Physical Theatre is offering weekly training for 14 to 18 year olds. These classes aim to extend and hone physical performance skills and introduce participants to the peak performance attitude necessary to become a great performing artist.

DATES: Term 3: 20 July – 7 Sept (5pm – 7pm)
Term 4: 12 Oct - 30 Nov (5pm – 7pm)
VENUE: Queensland Academy of Creative Industries, Kelvin Grove
INSTRUCTORS: Noa Rotem
COST: $150 per Term (+ $10 Registration Fee for newcomers) Payment in full is required before the start of each term. Prices are GST inclusive.

The classes are comprised of training in the following areas:

SUZUKI METHOD OF ACTOR TRAINING These classes, based on the Suzuki Method, take participants through a fascinating minefield of challenging actor-training techniques that work towards fusing body, voice, mind & spirit. This training cultivates the performer's physical energy, vocal quality & range, concentration, ensemble awareness and imagination.

THE VIEWPOINTS The viewpoints focus on reawakening the actor's instincts through impulse work & play, and exploring the basic elements of performance - the body in time and space - so that the artist can learn to use them articulately when performing or creating new work. These classes also help the actor/performer to develop a dynamic stage presence.

 
Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre Company Members 2010
companyshot2010.jpg