Soul Speed dance/theatre troupe.
Reconnecting people to the ancients of our oceans, from which all life began........
"Awe Waiwai' - Ancient Essence.
As the guardian and overseer, the Toroa (albatross) reminds us of the affinity we have with our ocean whanau (family)
and is the guide on this incredible choreographed oceanic journey.
A combined powerful mixture of live musician's including; Taonga Puoro (traditional Maori instruments), Classical Cello, Flamenco Guitar, Percussion
and Haunting Vocals accompany magical dancers and theatre, accentuated with commanding costumes and lighting.
'This is an International class performance, a must see!' Michael Knapp, Lighting Designer.
"The power of theatre and dance as a catalyst for positive action and change is what drives Soul Speed's performances. We work collaboratively,
drawing inspiration from who we are and where we live. Our performances are kaupapa (vision) driven with an indigenous contemporary approach.
We are proud to share the wairua (spirit) of this performance with you." Ardre Foote, Soul Speed Director.
Soul Speed is a dance theatre troupe based in Whaingaroa Raglan, who tell stories from the majestic waters surrounding Aotearoa New Zealand and the World.
The artists involved have come from a vast background of professional performing arts. Through the mediums of dance, live music both traditional and classical,
costume design, and theatre performers have come together inspired by collective concerns over environmental issues.
Over the last two years Soul Speed has shared their passion for environmental preservation with their passion for creative arts expression.
Awe Waiwai - Ancient Essence, contemporary and indigenous in its approach to raising awareness about the environment and our interconnectedness with it, has evolved from the
performers own learning of the critically endangered species of the North Island Hector Dolphin called Popoto, or Maui's Dolphin.
'Te Karanga Tohora' features a live recording of a humpback whale gifted by marine biologist Liz Slooten of the Otago University, mixed with vocals and indigenous instruments
from around the world, this composition has a magical effect on audiences that leave's them moved and uplifted.
"Our performances are interactive with the audience as the troupe feel its important to involve them, so we the performers are not separate
by doing this they become connected then of course 'effected' which is where positive change begins." Ardre Foote director.
"We have witnessed first hand the powerful impact the troupe's performances have on audiences."Jo Breese, Chief Executive, WWF: World Wide Fund for Nature New Zealand. 2006
Awe Waiwai - Ancient Essence is a synergistic fusion of the above performances with two new solo's- 'Hinemoana' - Ancient Goddess of the ocean symbolising our intrinsic
relationship with the body of water within us, and its reflection in the life of Earth's Oceans. 'Flight of the Toroa' (Albatross) this solo depicts the splendor of the Albatross,
the Symbol of the Southern Seas. Held aloft on regal wings, the silent swooping observer sees all the natural wonders ocean viewing can offer, recalling our empathy with the ancients of the sea.
Soul Speed has discovered over time that the immediacy of live performance reconnects and empowers people with a sense of renewed awareness and connection to the oceans and the
environment. Invoking the need to take action and create change for themselves and their fellow inhabitants on this fragile planet.
Contact Ardre Foote, Soul Speed Director for any further information.
Ph: +64 (0) 7 825 7247 Fax: +64 (0) 825 0045 email: ardre.antonio@xtra.co.nz
Tags: Soul Speed dance marine environment ecology endangered
