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The Democratic Set

Showing on Jan 21–23, 25

Playing at Roundhouse Performance Centre

The Democratic Set performance collage of images
Photo: ©Anna Tregloan

Back to Back Theatre (Australia)

PRESENTED WITH NEWORLD THEATRE

“[M]ostly it’s full of laughter and hope, a feeling very much helped by the wide demographic of its contributors.”

RealTime

This is not a performance—it’s a model for the way we could live. In The Democratic Set, members of the local community are invited to help make a movie. The process is one of collaboration, not leadership; egalitarianism, not hierarchy. The “set” of the title is an empty room, built and displayed in The Roundhouse. It can function as a dramatic setting, a virtual soapbox or whatever else the given participant wishes.

“[C]reates a frame within which to perceive the equal value of presence of all bodies as they generate their different styles and motives and intentions and intensities.”

—Theatre Bristol

Each cast member gets a brief rehearsal for their 15-second video portrait; each portrait is captured in a single take, with the camera moving across the set in the same direction each time. Edited and presented, the successive portrait-shots appear as a continuous movement through the rooms of an imaginary space; that space is one of freedom, constructed from cooperation and fellowship. What emerges is a wonderful paradox: a group vision of individual expression. When the final work premieres for the public, it’s a moment of shared triumph.

Filming sessions on the set are open to the public; no booking is required to observe. Limited slots to participate are available at the venue each day.

Following the Film Screening there will be a free opening night party.

The Democratic Set performance
Photo: ©Jeff Busby
The Democratic Set performance
Photo: ©Jeff Busby
The Democratic Set performance
Photo: ©Bristol Carl Newland

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Venue

Roundhouse Performance Centre

181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver

Showtimes

OPEN SET *
January 21–23

January 22–23
60 mins, no intermission

FILM SCREENING & ARTIST TALK*
January 25

Jan 21–23
2PM–4:30PM

Jan 22–23
10AM–1PM

Jan 25
7PM

Tickets

Free. Advance bookings are closed. Some tickets may become available prior to the screening. Please check with PuSh staff at the Roundhouse starting at 6PM on January 25th. If you booked a ticket, but will not use it, please notify us by email at tickets@pushfestival.ca.

Access

Icon signalling a performance with signed interpretation

ASL-Interpretation Provided

Icon signalling a relaxed performance (casual or low sensory)

Extra Live (Always Relaxed) / Visual Story below

The movie will later be available online with captions

Click here to see and download the Visual Story for the show

Informational Vlog

Credits

ORIGINAL CONCEPT, DESIGN, DIRECTION Bruce Gladwin DESIGN, ORIGINAL SET CONSTRUCTION Mark Cuthbertson ORIGINAL VIDEOGRAPHY Rhian Hinkley DIRECTOR Ingrid Voorendt VIDEOGRAPHER Samuel James PRODUCTION & LIGHTING Richard Vabre SENIOR ARTIST Marcus Youssef CREATIVE PRODUCER Sandra Henderson PROP & COSTUME DESIGNER Jacqueline Firkins COMPOSER Mishelle Cuttler MOVEMENT GUIDE Amber Funk Barton PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jamie Sweeney

SUPPORTED BY Australia Council for the Arts, Creative Victoria, City of Greater Geelong, Department of Education & Training, Victoria, through the Strategic Partnerships Program

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