Contemporary dance

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Māori Artists

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LGBTQIA+

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Contemporary dance 〰️ Māori Artists 〰️ LGBTQIA+ 〰️

Touch Compass presents

WHITE NOISE + Oro

Alisha McLennan Marler + guests

WHITE NOISE turns the tables of perception onto the audience, drawing upon experiences from the intersection of motherhood, disability, and the relentless static of everyday expectations.

Created, and performed by Alisha McLennan Marler, this solo work is an ongoing dance of communication — hearing and being heard, being seen and unseen, and the agency to craft our own narrative. Parenthood intermingles with unapologetic social rebellion. It challenges one to reflect on the preconceptions that Alisha is so often confronted with as she moves through the world, consumed by the gaze of others.

Developed through Touch Compass's commitment to crip-led culture and creativity, WHITE NOISE is not just about disability — it is led by it, lived in it, and here for all who seek authentic, challenging performance. What is the white noise of ableism, and how do we tune it out to hear our own truth?

Striking images sit alongside virtuosic movement material in this choreographic collaboration between Alisha and choreographer Jessie McCall. Live sound manipulation playfully weaves through the work, alongside a boundary-pushing score by composer and sound artist Drew McMillan. Immersive digital design elements from Brad Gledhill animate the performance space, bringing Alisha’s internal world to life.

WHITE NOISE authentically captures Alisha’s story with boldness — embracing discomfort as powerful artistry while delicately balancing accessibility with her raw truth. This is contemporary dance that demands to be heard and refuses to be background noise.

Presented with a short work from Touch Compass’ Oro: Resonance development programme.

VENUE

Q Theatre, Rangatira


DATES & TIMES

Fri 16 Oct

Duration: 70 min


PRICES & TICKET INFO

$35–$59
Booking fees apply


ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchair Accessible | Hearing Aid Loop | Service Animals


BOOK NOW

CONTENT WARNINGS

See Below

8pm

Photo: Jade Ellis

CREDITS:

Artistic Director and Performer: Alisha McLennan Marler

Co-Choreographer: Jessie McCall

AV, Lighting and Spatial Design: Brad Gledhill

Sound Design and Composition: Drew McMillan

Costume Design and Aerial Skills consultant: Eve Gordon

Aerial rigging specialist: Jaine Mieka

Producer: Fiona Saunders

Production Support: Matt Gillanders

Production Marketing and Communications Oversight: Jon Tamihere-Kemeys

Production Marketing Support: Holly Mulligan

Artist Website | Instagram | FacebookTikTok

Supported by:

Content warnings detail:

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