It's inspired by thieves, action movies and comic book characters - and it's coming soon to a stage near you.
The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts is kicking off its dance series on Oct. 2 with Amber Funk Barton's latest creative endeavour, Workspace II.
"The overall concept for Workspace II has been working with the literal and metaphorical act of stealing - the dancers portrayed as a gang of thieves for and against each other," Barton says in a press release. "The more we work on this idea, my imagination has grown to place these characters in a post-apocalyptic world that forces them to work together in order to survive."
The release notes that the band of thieves manipulates each other and their environment using Barton's athletic and viscerally engaging style of contemporary dance.
"You don't have to be a dance fan or 'know' anything about dance to enjoy this show," Barton says. "I think people can expect to feel a range of emotions as they watch Workspace II. I feel like there is something for everyone in this show, from dramatic moments to athletically charged dancing that fuses together several styles of dance that leaves its performers dripping with sweat."
The performance incorporates some original sound composition, along with a playlist compiled by Barton to create sound she describes as "mysteriously ambient and spooky."
Barton is looking forward to the production.
"What excites me the most is the versatile talent of the dancers I am working with and their commitment to the world and the movement I am trying to create," she says. "When I step out of it and watch it from the outside, it feels like I'm watching a film - it's quite a ride! One that entertains but by the end also makes me reflect on the tenacity of human spirit to survive."
Workspace II is onstage at the Shadbolt Centre Oct. 2 to 5 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $32 in advance, or $27 for seniors and students. Regular price is $35, or $30 for seniors and students.
Call the box office at 604-205-3000.
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