Paper_Hanger’s Weblog
Performances, movies and book reviews …Archive for Mailia Johnson
WOW 2008
I went to the dress rehearsal of this year’s World Of Wearableart (WOW) Award Show.
This is not a dress pagent; it is not a pure fashion show; and it is not a pure dance show. A better description would be Cirque de Soleil without the high intensity acrobatics.
A memorable 20th Anniversary show.
The highlights for me were:
- The South Pacific Section
- The UV Section
- The Inspired by Architecture Section
The South Pacific Section was set amongst – what appeared to be – full sized nikau palms! They looked like WOW had transplanted some from the Civic Square. This year there two wahine singing and the section was finished with a memorable dance – where the dancers were dressed and moved as Tuis.
The UV – officially known as the Illuminated – section was spectacular. I hope the garment that had a fat Charlie Chaplin like character teamed with a thin black character against a UV white disc wins.
The Inspired by Architecture Section was very original. Dancers clad in silver unitards came out of the floor, onto a dimly lit stage, carrying handheld spotlights which they used to illuminate the first two or three models. Then as more and more garments came on, a ’silver person’ built a tower! Then the ’silver people’ ‘danced’ inside the tower. Brilliant!
I did find the music a little loud – but hopefully they will turn the volume down 5-10 percent for the shows.
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WOW 2007
I went to the dress rehearsal of this year’s World Of Wearableart (WOW) Award Show.
It was great! Year after year, WOW manages to surpass itself.
The highlights for me were:
- The Children’s Section
- The Guy’s Suite Section
- The ‘Raining Men’ Section
- The UV Section
The Children’s Section was based on “Where the Wild Things Are” picture book; with a large cast of monsters and the stuff of children’s nightmares. The children’s energy – WOW use child performers – was very infectious.
There was lots of energy in the ‘Raining Men’ Section: the audience, of mainly young women, gave all of the guys lots of cheers. It got pretty hot – the audience got very excited when the topless guys moved right up to the edge of the stage (stage right).
The UV Section was the best I have seen. Well composed and used all three dimensions – incorporating a static trapeze and other five suspended performers.
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