That Which Was Once Familiar
That Which Was Once Familiar (TWWOF) explores how culture inscribes gender and sexuality onto our bodies, or "flesh sacks." Dancers investigate the abstract, object-like qualities within themselves, such as form, weight, and scale, approaching movement as a way to subvert the societal objectification of femininity. Through the integration of choreography and sculpture, TWWOF seeks to give agency to performing bodies by focusing on their capacities beyond orientations, gender, age, or ability.
Designed for theatre, the performance challenges gendered expectations within competitive dance forms through both group and solo pieces, delving into each dancer's experience with the restrictions of femininity. TWWOF extends Zoë Bastin's longstanding examination of the choreographic expectations of space and context, using the stage’s vastness to push her inquiry into gender performance in dance. The work employs scored movement, improvisation, solos, and group formations, taking the audience on a journey towards autonomy and freedom beyond traditional gender constraints.
That Which Was Once Familiar, 2021
55:00
live performance
That Which Was Once Familiar was led and choreographed by Zoë Bastin, performed by Hayley Does, Tizana Saunders, Julia Luby, Al Jefimenko and Sue Hockey, sound Design by Grace Ferguson, lighting Design by Govin Ruben, live Music by Merinda Dias-Jayasinha and Byron Meyer, costume Design by Kitty Garry, makeup by Lani Swartz, produced by Natasha Phillips, associate produced Josephine Mead, assisted by Molly Stephenson. Photographs and video documentation by Bri Hammond and Damien Gill. Presented by Dancehouse and Bus Projects for Midsumma Festival with support from Chunky Move, Yarra City Arts and Arts Melbourne.