Artefact

Artefact

The brief description

Artefact is a contemporary work that takes itself way too seriously as a piece of Art, Research and Theatre. It is self-consciously aware and humbly proud. The historical research is flawed, the re-enactments dubious and the audience snickering unavoidable.

The longer description

Artefact is a satirical piece based on artefacts produced for the recreation of ‘Suffragium’, a work that never existed. A troupe of Australian contemporary dancers investigated several ‘historical’ artefacts relating to ‘Suffragium’, famous for its ‘Suffragette Stomp’, a piece thought to be performed during rallies at the turn of the last century. The research team examined several photographs, eyewitness accounts and news items and determined that ‘Suffragium’ must have been so compelling it deserved another airing.

"With a nod to the Victorian era. and drawing inspiration from the women that fought in the first wave of feminism at the beginning of the last century, “Artefact” is anything but a museum piece. In the intimate theatre space, where audience and dancers create a unique shared experience that changes every night, the Fine Lines ensemble transforms from formal to liquid, from playful to poignant, with emotionally charged grace and surprising moments of humour." Perri Cummins

Director’s comments

During the pandemic, major dance companies made increasingly elaborate online materials to maintain their connections with their audiences. This has led to the exponential rise of the 'artefact'- objects that speak to a work but are separate from it (film, photography, interviews etc).

Our response to the rise of the artefact is to make a dance piece in reverse, beginning with a film trailer, photography, reviews and vox pops relative to ‘Suffragium’.

Artefact comments on contemporary pressures to create artefacts and communicate the essence of a work in order to engage audiences early and excite funding bodies, even before the work is made.

Please note

The cabbages used in the work were subject to a rigorous selection process and were sustainably sourced.

Drawings by Judy Leech, photography by Robert Wagner 2022