LURCH explores a body and an inanimate object. The inanimate object: a large sculpture by BC artist Alan Storey, originally commissioned by MascallDance in 2010. The bodies: five dancers, who span four decades in age and bring diverse dance roots to the project, from ballet and contact improvisation to drag, street, contemporary dance, and vogue.And four commissioned choreographers: each an investigator by nature, known nationally for their mature work, big ideas, and a powerful knack for talking about dance. The title: an affectionate nickname given by dancers to the large set.

The dances examine a body and an inanimate object. How does density influence our perception of movement? How can a permanent object made for an impermanent dance be revitalised through further exploration? And what of dance’s use of objects in relation to the body? Each choreographer’s work is a response to the set piece and the ensemble, prompting different reactions, relationships, and title.

Presenters can select the work of one artist or several. Each is an evening-length presentation, or two can be presented together, with intermission. In sites such as galleries, all works can be done as a mini-festival over a weekend. Works by Mascall and Chase are in development. Works by Chambers and Henderson are complete.
LURCH is a work of ephemeral public art seeking partners for theatre presentation, residencies, and exhibitions. It is intended for live presentation, suitable for touring in galleries, large exhibition spaces, and outdoor public spaces, and adapts well to a sensory relaxed performance format.