Radical System Art presents this impactful dance-theatre piece fusing contemporary and urban dance, martial arts, and theatre. Momentum of Isolation explores the timely themes of digital existences, shifting values, and social isolation for a thoughtful and kinetic show that aims to remind viewers how much we need each other.
To shape a digital world on stage, Momentum of Isolation places live interactive video and sound around the performers. These elements enhance ideas around how technology and our digital lives can both amplify us and disempower us. In relation to shifting values, there’s a generational context that is critical to the work: the young and the old. To explore this separation, Artistic Director Shay Kuebler will remain an isolated solo performer throughout the work. As an older performer, his isolated role juxtaposes the performances of the younger ensemble dancers who perform both as a group and as individuals.
Research began on this project in 2018, after Artistic Director Shay Kuebler read about the “minister of loneliness” in the UK. This government position was instituted after the UK discovered that loneliness and isolation were more detrimental to the health of its citizens than cigarettes and alcohol. In 2018, it felt like a critical topic to speak about. Now, in 2024, it has become even more relevant.
Radical System Art (RSA, est. 2014) fuses dance, theatre and martial arts with interactive technology and design to create impactful performances. The company, based in BC, is guided by a principle of harnessing opposition to find strength and balance: athleticism with artistry, structure with chaos, technique with instinct. Artistic Director Shay Kuebler believes the performing arts are a transcendent form of storytelling. By weaving movement, sound and imagery together, they create a universal language that voices what can't be said with words.
“Pay What You Will” is offered on select performances. Here’s how it works:
– You still need a ticket. Book your seats in advance at tickets.theplayhouse.ca, by calling our box office at 458-8344, or visiting us at 686 Queen Street.
– At the performance, we will provide an envelope and ask audience members to pay whatever amount they wish (based on their own individual experience) following the performance.
You decide the price of your tickets!
The objective of “Pay What You Will” is to increase access to our programs, and to encourage our patrons to take a chance on new and exciting performances.