MANILA, Philippines — If you’re an avid moviegoer, you’ve probably seen their Dolby Digital trailer a couple of times. Using their hands, feet, pipes, sinks, plastic bags, trash cans and lids, newspapers, matchboxes, brooms and Zippo lighters, these motley group of energetic people turn random objects into a symphony of beats.
Yes, with Stomp, every object can be a percussion instrument ready to be played!
“There is music in everything. And Stomp brings that to one theatrical sensation that unifies its cast and the audience through rhythm, energy and movement,” says Stomp original cast member Fraser Morrison in an interview with Students and Campuses Bulletin.
For the first time ever, international theatrical sensation Stomp will be bringing its unique brand of music and performance to the Philippines as they stage “Stomp in Manila” at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the Cultural Center of the Philippines from Oct. 18 to 23.
Stomp is something that Filipinos have never seen before, and Morrison hopes that the local audiences would enjoy it with an open mind.
“If you think it is just a drum show, think again. The show speaks to all ages and nationalities in a language we all inherently understand – rhythm. I’m proud of Stomp as it's been such a big part of my life. I’m most proud of seeing the joy and inspiration that it gives to others,” says Morrison, adding that the cast is excited to perform here, especially since the company has had Filipino members.
20 years of stomping
Stomp has been entertaining audiences since 1994, starting out as a street performance in the United Kingdom. It has since then grown into one of the theater world’s longest running productions, to sold-out audiences in over 350 cities and 36 countries.
This non-traditional dance collective was created by Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell who first worked together in 1981. In 1991, Stomp premiered at the Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms. Currently, Stomp is still running in the U.K. and Manhattan and has tours in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Morrison was an unsuspecting audience participation member when he first met group founder Cresswell in Edinburgh. Since then, he went on to work with Cresswell on “Beat the Clyde”, a Special Olympics opening ceremony and the Lagoon Show in Brighton. In 1991, he was asked to do Stomp for a three-week run at the Edinburgh Festival. It turned out to become a 19-year marathon.
With so many accolades the group has received, Morrison admits they still encounter skeptics.
“Like people saying that all we do is noise,” he says. “But based on my experience, there are more people who say how much the show has changed their outlook on things and sometimes life. As a performer, that is a hugely flattering compliment.”
Music is in everything
Stomp is just as much about the music as it is about the dance sequences, says Morrison.
In coming up with the music, Morrison explains that they generally workshop whatever prop or object it is that they are trying. “Sometimes the music is written for the prop and sometimes the prop writes the music just by its being what it is. Also, members can add input during the workshop process, however the show has parts where the performers can improvise or solo which is then their own music or interpretation of,” relates Morrison.
Morrison reveals the hardest instrument or most complicated routine that he has to perform is walking across stage with 40 gallon oil drums strapped to his feet, while his most favorite objects to play are, of course, the hands and feet.
“The hands and feet are the most natural instrument in the world as you were born with it and you can’t leave them in an airport bar,” says Morrison, who started his musical career at the age of 10 playing trumpet in the school band.
Being with Stomp, he says, has changed his perception of how one can hear music in different ways and in different places.
“I have always listened to a wide range of music. But stand still in a busy street and listen to what’s going on around you. I guarantee it will be music. You may have to listen harder to hear it, but it’s there,” he adds.
Stomp for a cause
Stomp has taken its approach to music to kids through workshops, but mostly in the UK. Morrison hopes that they can bring their workshops in the countries where they perform, including the Philippines.
“It’s something we have always done. I think it's a great musical start for kids as it shows them the accessibility of music without the expense of a musical instrument. It's nice for the kids to take what we give them and do their own thing with it. It’s also a great lesson for working in a team,” he explains.
The feedback has always been great from kids and parents alike and several performers have come from these workshops, Morrison says. “When we audition for new performers we use the same workshop environment as you can tell a lot about someone from working together. Some only came to do the workshop for a laugh, and have ended up doing it for a living and travelling the world.”source
0 Comments
Posts
