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
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
Supported by:
Content warnings detail:
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WHITE NOISE features colour-changing lighting, light smoke and haze and reflective acrylic mirror panels that may create visual distortion. The soundscape used includes short periods of sharp or sudden sounds. Parental discretion is advised.
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