Jack Productions

THE COUP/COOP
When a single hen is introduced to the group, she goes at once to the bottom of the peck-order, a place she is likely to retain even if she had been of relatively high rank in her previous group. Aggressive hens, however, after a time will work their way upward. If two well -acquainted hens with a defined mutual status are introduced into a strange flock, the dominant one if the two will usually help her partner to rise in the new social environment. Only when they have both found their place in the flock does the normal competitive relation between the two returns. (F.Macfarlane Burnet, 1970)

Is "non-animal’ a more complex organism than a chicken? Is evolution the text to the narrative of our future?

Shane.

May 1st, 19 days till opening. Lucas began creating the structure on Saturday and, beginning Monday, I believe we have the whole cast together every night for a week, which will be awesome. We all have to work around our 'day' jobs. Coming together and working on the material has been enormous fun. Although Lucas has a strong creative vision and firm directorial hand, his method of working gives us quite a lot of scope to create our own material. The improvisational way of working should keep us on our toes mentally (actually its barefoot) and fresh throughout the process. For me the whole thing is a bit of a miracle because I have not performed or danced for many years, but I think its going brilliantly! As I am creating my own movements from a given task then I am able to shape what I do around my capabilities. Lucas is very patient and the girls are an inspiration. Cant wait for opening night!

Thank you Lucas & JACK Productions for giving me the opportunity of working with such amazing women and being part of such an exciting production team. Every rehearsal is filled with energy, passion, inspiration, totally new movement language and lots of laughs. I am looking forward to more...........


Christine

Alida Chase, Christine Howard, Kirsty Martin, Lisa Pavane and Shane Carroll, I feel so honoured to be working with such a cast, to have their trust and respect is humbling when I feel so much admiration for each of them. I want to use this first Animal blog entry simply to say, thank you girls for coming on board. What FUN we have had creating the ‘first few steps’, being in the studio with you over the last few weeks has been illuminating.
Energized and inspired to drive this baby home..
Lucas

The Calm after the Storm.

I still have to pinch my self when I contemplate the venture JACK just undertook. Again I have to thank the wonderful dancers for their trust, commitment and un-shakable belief in all that we explored.
It has been very interesting to hear and read the many varied discussions about ‘Human Abstract’ since its premiere over 2 weeks ago. The two main points of contention were the combination of theatricality within a primarily classical based work and a white costuming element introduced in the middle of the show. Strangely, the press mentioned nothing about the choreography or the wonderful music?!? I found it so interesting that there was no mention of the physical articulation, the expeditious dynamics, the use of time and space, the repetitive metaphoric symbolism or any emotional reflection of seeing some of Australia’s best dancers in an environment, up close and personal, an environment that has not been possible until now.
Thank you to all who came and supported, JACK is so grateful. I know that many of you walked away with some kind of connection with, or a topic for conversation from, what you experienced, and I thank you for sharing some of these thoughts and questions with me. Theatricality and movement have the same wonderful effect of suggestibility completely open for interpretation, this is the kind of presentation that was our goal, based on one theme only, the fear of being alone, not to present an easily digestible spoon of sugar.
I hope to see you in theatres across Melbourne supporting our vibrant arts community.

Lucas.

'Human Abstract' choreographed by Lucas Jervies, closed at the CUB Malthouse on Sunday 11th of July. After a successful premiere season, the team at JACK want to thank everyone involved, especially our new fans and friends.

For everyone who would like to reminisce, and for everyone who missed out, here are a few photos. More to come on the website soon.





"...moments of breathtaking brilliance." Jordan Vincent, The Age.

"It's a show to dazzle the senses." Chris Boyd, Herald Sun.

I began my research for this work after reading William Blake’s poem, ‘The Human Abstract’. The haunting atmosphere and dark essence of the poem was my inspiration and has remained throughout our creative process however as usual the direction of the work has developed a completely new and unexpected path.
I have fallen in love with simplistic imagery and suggestive gesture to portray our protagonist’s journey, one that we have all travelled and one that some will travel again. It is a fragile human situation I have strived to explore, both physically and theatrically, through an anxious dynamic and abstract metaphor.
Ironically, what fun it has been to research such a fearful situation. From the bottom of my heart I thank all who have been involved in this project especially the incredible dancers. Your talent, commitment and passion will remain a constant inspiration.

Lucas Jervies.