History: shows, STRIKE percussion
Strike have produced a number of stunning shows, two of which are still available today: IN THE CUBE and Cubed, for the smaller theater.
- strike wired
- strike unplugged
- If Skin Could Talk
- Smashing Sweet Vixen (Gareth Farr)
strike wired
Cervantino Festival in Mexico, October 2001
In March 2001, we brought the cubes into the theatre. A full length seamless stage show incorporating the cubes but also introducing many new concepts was produced. We introduced an elemental sub-theme to the show incorporating playing fire, water, air, wood (earth) and the steel of the cubes. The pieces are joined by amusing interludes and we had a huge sound system and dramatic lighting.
Programme, (composed by STRIKE unless noted otherwise)
- Awakening
- E Rere Ki Te Rangi, traditional arr. Strike
- Hubs
- Rotations
- Painting with Breath, David Downes
- Triangle
- Bodylude
- D and B
- Fire
- Techno
- Cafe
- The Doomsday Machine, Michael Burritt, arr. Strike
- Stormwater
- Strike
strike unplugged — the acoustic show
Premiére at Downstage, Wellington, 2002.
A high energy stage show designed for smaller theatres. Strike Unplugged adapts content from Strike Wired as well as adding new material. A nearly completely acoustic show (with no sound reinforcement), Strike Unplugged presents the performers "up close and personal" in a way that is unique to smaller venues. We worked with lighting designer Paul O'Brien to create a stunning theatrical experience
Programme (all works composed by members of Strike unless otherwise stated)
- The Doomsday Machine, Michael Burritt, arr. Strike
- Rotations
- Painting with Breath, David Downes
- Elysium
- Cupples
- Ignition
- Triangle
- Hangin'
- Little Sea Gongs, Gareth Farr
- Attmos
- E Rere Ki Te Rangi traditional arr. Strike
- Water Bass'd
- Strike
If Skin Could Talk
Percussion and dance: Strike worked with second and third year contemporary dance students from the New Zealand School of Dance to create a brand new work, If Skin Could Talk, composing music for six of the eight new dance works. Two acting students and two entertainment technology students from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School were also involved in the production. This creative journey was made possible thanks to the support of Smokefree Arts and The Performing Arts Foundation of New Zealand. Smokefree Arts is a major sponsor of the New Zealand School of Dance and Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School.
Smashing Sweet Vixen (Gareth Farr)
Royal New Zealand Ballet,1998.
A bold and striking New Zealand collaboration by choreographer Shona McCullagh, Wellington composer Gareth Farr and percussion trio Strike. Featuring a huge steel set, rhythmic drumming and contemporary dance by ten female dancers, Smashing Sweet Vixen is a sassy production. This ballet proved a huge hit when it premiered in August 1998.
smashing.jpg Photo: Stephen A'Court [ from Royal NZ ballet site]"A new work, Smashing Sweet Vixen, was commissioned from New Zealander Shona McCullagh and composer Gareth Farr. The percussion trio Strike had a lively role interacting with ten female dancers, who were tested to the limits of virtuosity in a danced display of assertive behavior. Given a popular reception, particularly by younger audience members, Smashing Sweet Vixen was what you might call choreography with altitude." Dance Magazine, ĘDec, 1998 Ęby Jennifer Shennan