Triumphs and Other Alternatives collides sculpture with gutsy performance to create an original and visceral new style of dance theatre.
The work explores the obsessiveness and traps of the creative process, demonstrating a delusional joy that the act of creating can bring forth.
Recent performances - 2017 Seoul International Dance Festival
“Choreographer Ross McCormack's Triumphs and Other Alternatives certainly lives up to its name. It is a triumph. ...One can see why he had such a stellar career for 10 years with Les Ballets C de la B. His stage presence is magnetic”. Dominion Post, April 2015
“A low rumble in the background builds to the musical score. McCormack emerges as the “Maker” character - a sculptor, a mad scientist, a perfectionist who manipulates his “Creations” - performers Emily Adams and James Vu Anh Pham … this really is a perfect example of dance theatre … It is a work of art”. Theatreview, April 2015
Pippa Samaya © 2015
Pippa Samaya © 2015
Pippa Samaya © 2015
Pippa Samaya © 2015
"A brilliant analogy of the artistic creative process...McCormack is working in a medium that appears very fresh and remains unsullied by comparison with other choreographers". Theatreview, October 2015
“McCormack cannot hide the high level of artistic skill and maturity that he himself possesses. An ecstatic audience makes this recognition abundantly clear ... Design, dynamic music, calibre dancing and dramaturgical precision orbit each other in a cohesively tight, un-superfluous fashion” DANZ Magazine, April 2015
“Triumphs and Other Alternatives is, in a word, triumphant. It is profoundly moving and vividly passionate .... I gave it a standing ovation, and continue to applaud it today.” Regional News, May 2015
Direction and Set Design: Ross McCormack
Performance: Ross McCormack, Emily Adams, James Vu Anh Pham / Xin Ji / Luke Hanna
Sound Design: Jason Wright
Light Design: Natasha James
Dramaturgy: Melanie Hamilton
Set Realisation: Owen McCarthy
Rehearsal Director: Victoria Colombus
Muscle Mouth acknowledges the generous support of Creative New Zealand, The Wallace Foundation, and Tour Makers in the creation and touring of Triumphs and Other Alternatives.