Dancehouse presents The Solos 

Dancehouse and Weave Movement Theatre are excited to present The Solos, a series of independent dance explorations as part of the 2024 Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 2 to 5. 

Inspired by their celebrated 2023 production, Sense of Place, these compelling solo performances are rooted in the personal narratives highlighted during that season by six members of Weave Movement Theatre.

Performers Anthony Riddell, David Baker, Emma Norton, Uncle Greg, Janice Florence, and Trevor Dunn will join forces with renowned directors and choreographers to develop their skills as solo artists, bringing six unique pieces to life on stage.

“There’s a lot of different stories – some are heartfelt and soulful, some are visually striking with a sort of surprise at the end. There’s quite a range of ideas and forms of theatre and dance involved,” artistic director and co-founder of Weave Movement Theatre Janice Florence said.

Established in 1997, Janice “fell into the role” of artistic director after participating in a series of workshops led by a visiting disability company from the UK, organised by Arts Access Victoria.

Once the workshops concluded, the performers expressed a desire to continue, but there were no options available for them.

Today, Weave Movement Theatre is a dynamic and diverse not-for-profit organisation comprised of both disabled and non-disabled artists, leading the charge for inclusive practices within the arts.

“We do have an absurd sense of humour running through the company I think, which might come from the experience of being disabled and needing to cope with some strange attitudes and the way we have to live in the world,” Janice told Inner City News.

“The world’s not built for us, so I think we react to that sometimes with absurd humour to help us get through things. But also, because we need a creative approach to exist in a world that doesn’t often cater to us.”

Divided into two programs across four days, The Solos gives audiences a unique opportunity to see Weave Movement Theatre artists like never before.

“These are original pieces from people whose stories are universal, and stem from diverse minds, bodies and experiences,” Janice said.

“They do not focus on disability, but instead spotlight the passions, quirks, memory and heart of this group of solo artists with wild imagination, a sense of the absurd and poetry of the ordinary.”

Growing up in Carlton North, Janice’s piece draws inspiration from the transformations she has witnessed in the suburb, once a migrant, working-class community. 

It also reflects on the characters in her life who have “accidentally” guided her journey into the arts.

“I hope people get what they do from seeing any performance, which is to be drawn in and absorbed by the performance, to be entertained, and for it to be thought-provoking.”

The Solos will take place at Dancehouse’s Sylvia Staehli Theatre from October 2 to 5 at 150 Princes St, Carlton North. •