Photo: Ash Mishra
Lurch
We took an old set piece (called Lurch) and gathered an ensemble of 5 performers. We gave these components to four separate choreographers who freely created their own pieces and dynamics.
This durational collaboration examines the relationship between a body and an inanimate object. In 2010, BC sculptor Alan Storey created 3 set pieces for a MascallDance production. A decade later, with a view to sustainability, we chose the most distinctive, and created the Lurch Process.
These creators are investigators, distinguished by mature work with big ideas. The collaborating performing ensemble spans four decades in age and come from ballet, contact improvisation, Ball Culture, streetdance, and contemporary dance.
Each choreographer has delved into the set; their different reactions and relationships offer unique perspectives to the audience.
The full-length work will be produced for both live and online presentations with the potential to tour in galleries, large exhibition spaces, and outdoor public spaces. The work adapts well to sensory relaxed performance format.
Photo: Tobias Macfarlane
Project Created by: Sarah Chase, Justine Chambers, Ame Henderson, and Jennifer Mascall
Key Artistic Collaborators:
Performance: Chris Wright, Ralph Escamillan, Nick Benz, Bennett Tracz, Ben Kamino, Bynh Ho, Alexa Mardon, and Dario Dinuzzi.
Sculpture: Alan Storey
Performance type: This work is adaptable to theatre, outdoors or alternative spaces
How do you define this work: Dance Theatre, Visual Arts, Multi-discipline.
Length of performance: Adaptable in length; 10-90 minutes.
Audience type: General Audience
General Technical Requirements:
We offer both a theatre version and an outdoor version, adaptable to space/environment. Requires a 20ftx20ft flat playspace. If indoors, a double door entrance is needed. Access to a hose with running water required for setup, and drain for strike. Audio/speakers if playing outdoors.
The length of the performance is adaptable from 20-90 minutes; it is suitable for full evening, or mixed programs. The choreographies of Ame Henderson and Justine Chambers can be presented as companion works in a full evening, or individually in the context of a mixed program.
Alternative Venues/Spaces/Outdoors: LURCH works well in outdoor contexts, galleries, and prosceniums. The minimum technical requirement is a water source we can use to fill a 300 lb water tank, a level surface, and a washroom within walking reach. The tallest point of the assembled structure is around 15 vertical ft so ideally 17 ft clearance to lights; however, on occasion we've performed it with the set in a lowered position. Lurch can be transported to a secondary location once assembled but the wheels do not have high clearance for bumps or ramps. The assembly is highly adaptable though, so please reach out with any questions.
Required amount of time for tech set up: 3 hrs setup and safety check, 1 hr take down.
Number of Performers on tour (including choreographer): 5-6
Number of Support Staff on Tour: 1
Availabilities: 2025/26 Season, 2026/27 Season
MascallDance
MascallDance is a creation, production, and education endeavour with 30+ seasons of works; many with extensive touring lives. We offer residencies, intensives, and workshops based on where our own body of knowledge meets the interests of participants.
This year, MascallDance is looking to build relationships with presenters for three works: Lurch, The Impossible Has Already Happened, and Privilege At Home. In our productions, MascallDance audiences are collaborators. Recent years have taken us to surprising new places and ideas we’re eager to share with you. Climate change, particle physics, wildfire mitigation, city neighbourhoods and classical piano music are just a few ingredients in our current creative stew. Jennifer’s artistic path is driven by curiosity and appetite. Join us!
Performance History & Upcoming Performances
MascallDance has an extensive history of touring, creation, production and teaching.
Most recently:
2024
March BLOOM Choreographic Residencies Left of Main, Vancouver (see above description)
July 24-26, August 25 Privilege At Home 4th season
Create! Arts Festival and MascallDance (present) in Metro Vancouver neighbourhoods including North Vancouver, Gastown, Strathcona, Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano, East Vancouver, and the University of British Columbia (see above description)
2023
March
The Impossible Has Already Happened International Premiere
Footnote New Zealand Dance (presents)
Wellington Opera House, Wellington. International co-production: An evening-length love letter to water.
March – April
The Impossible Has Already Happened New Zealand Tour
Hawkes Bay ToiToi Opera House
Auckland, Q Theatre
Taupo, Great Lake Centre Theatre
Queenstown, Queenstown Memorial Centre
Omaru, Omaru Opera House
March
BLOOM
Mascall Dance (presents)
Left of Main, Vancouver. Choreographic Residencies lead to three evenings of Salon-style showings with accompanying sommelier and stand-up comic.
July 9-11 Privilege At Home 3rd Season
Dancing On The Edge Festival 35 and MascallDance (present)
in Metro Vancouver neighbourhoods: Kitsilano, University of British Columbia, East Van, West End, and Strathcona - backyards, sidewalks, restaurant terraces, front steps of apartment buildings, parks, alleys, etc.
October-November The Impossible Has Already Happened Western Canadian Tour
Mascall Dance (presents)
October 27 Canadian Premiere, Anvil Theatre, New Westminster, BC
November 01 Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta
November 12 Revelstoke Arts Centre, British Columbia
November 17, 18, 19 The Rachel Brown Theatre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Project Details
Community Engagement
We offer master classes to any age group from young to old. The fee, in the range of $80-$100 per class, goes to the teacher. An accompanist might be needed, or speakers for online music. We offer lectures about our work, and a talk about the work before the show. As well as those who like dance, the lectures and talks will be of particular interest to art students, sculpture and visual artists, and to audiences intrigued by adventurous mixing of forms.