Princess, Next Move 2014
Benjamin Hancock Princess Rehearsal Footage, 2014
Choreographer and performer Benjamin Hancock on Princess.
CM: Where/when did the idea behind Princess begin?
BH: At the time Princess stemmed from my constant thoughts of how fantastical most female roles tend to be in western performance, and how bland the male role looks, especially in ballet, so I wanted to present the power, presence, virtuosity of those extraordinary women.
I also wanted to celebrate the word princess, a word often suggesting the individual is effeminate, prissy, delicate, dainty or precious.
The first version of this work was commissioned and curated by Antony Hamilton for Melbourne Now 2014. A smaller intimate performance held in the Drawing Room, Ian Potter Centre NGV Australia.
Benjamin Hancock Melbourne Now, 2014, Image: Mischa Baka & NGV Photographic Services
Benjamin Hancock Melbourne Now, 2014, Image: Mischa Baka & NGV Photographic Services
CM: What was your process in making the work?
BH: My time was spent building a choreographic world, in which I was an omniscient overseer, following an improvised set of rules and instructions based on my observations. I would physically manifest all the pieces that would contribute to this new world. Some tasks would be to embody and describe such things as the flora and fauna; how they would grow, smell, move and feel. I then considered the people of this world, contemplating the diversity, age, agility and dynamism of the individuals within it, and drew on specific details to embody other lives lived, and foster compassion through difference.
Other tasks included construction of the flag, control the weather, stars, sun and moon, setting rules and laws to abide and break.
I also worked closely with my collaborators, setting up a rich sound score of information and texture with Alisdair Macindoe. Creating the maypole inspired garment with Jack Hancock and construction of the space to encapsulate the world in which I made with Bosco Shaw, Blair Hart and Michael Carr.
CM: Can you talk a bit about your experience with the Next Move program & being part of a triple bill?
BH: This was such an important and rewarding experience. The support from the company was exceptional; I could dream big and then find ways to make my work a reality.
It was so great to work in the same spaces as Atlanta Eke and Paea Leach, artists who each hold and shape their practice with imagination, creativity and power. I’m so grateful to have been commissioned and considered for this program.
Benjamin Hancock Princess Rehearsal Image: Pippa Samaya
CM: Did you perform Princess again, and if so where?
BH: Future Future – Arts House – North Melbourne Town Hall - 3 July 2015
Off The Grid Festival – ACCA & Chunky Move forecourt - 21 December 2016
CM: How did this work/experience influence your future choreographic endeavours?
BH: In 2014, I was exploring the role of masculinity and femininity within my own body and practice, an exploration that I felt vulnerable exploring at the time. As the wider conversation has become more sophisticated and complex since 2014, I have perpetually re-examined my own relationship to gender and performance, and have enjoyed seeing the diversity of expression that has flourished in recent years in both contemporary performance and club culture.
Notes on Princess by Benjamin Hancock
Notes on Princess by Benjamin Hancock
Notes on Princess by Benjamin Hancock
During the development and performance of this solo, I reflected on the embodied inheritances that I have received from other dance makers as a collaborating artist/performer, and wanted to present the power of those inheritances as they expressed themselves through my own choreographic language. It remains a part of my artistic practice to consider the lineage, both local and global, contemporary and historical on my movement practice. My collaborative relationships have strengthened over the years and the experience of Next Move established the foundations for me to savour this sharing of practices.
I am very proud of this work! Congratulations to my collaborative team for winning multiple Green Room awards.
Outstanding Music, Sound Design and Performance - Alisdair Macindoe
Outstanding Visual Design - Jack Hancock (costume) and Bosco Shaw (lighting)
Thank you Chunky Move for such a nourishing experience!
