Isolation and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic have infiltrated our everyday lives. This has been devastating for some more than others, but what has been evident is a burgeoning collective creativity seen across the globe.
Isolation and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic have infiltrated our everyday lives. This has been devastating for some more than others, but what has been evident is a burgeoning collective creativity seen across the globe.
All abilities physical movement ensemble (it’s no) drama rose to the challenge, and out of isolation a video production has been developed and filmed, documenting this time.
(it’s no) drama is committed to artistic excellence in practice and performance, and after securing two year funding from Creative Victoria at the end of 2019, Covid-19 was certainly an unexpected and uninvited guest. The company, lead by artistic Director Samara Cunningham, had maintained momentum by meeting weekly to undertake workshops and performative rehearsals, so when restrictions were put into place everyone naturally felt isolated and cut off from their creative outlet.
With their proposed 2020 performance now no longer able to go into production, Party of One was developed in its place. Party of One began as an isolation project depicting nine performer’s experiences of lockdown. The film was shot and edited in isolation, and yet the resulting 3 minute film feels very connected.
Directed by Samara Cunningham, edited by Luke McNee from Seagrass Films and with music composed by APRA award winner Andrew Murray, each cast member has acted out a scene that allows the viewer an intimate snippet into the thoughts and actions of the (it’s no) drama group.
Accompanying the performative aspect of the film, the performer’s thoughts appear on the screen as text, acting as positive affirmations and words of advice to survive isolation. Performer Steve Canning’s text reads ‘spread your wings,’ and ‘get in your zone,’ while (it’s no) drama founder and ensemble member Emily Ardley invites the audience to ‘sing what they feel,’
Of the experience Samara Cunningham notes, ‘one of the Party of One cast members had been in lockdown for 87 days prior to commencing this project. His involvement in Party Of One enabled him to virtually connect with other members of the (it’s no) drama performance ensemble and contribute in a creative and fun way.’
(it’s no) drama founder and ensemble member Emily Ardley performs a scene where she’s having a picnic in isolation, where her dog Angel is the only guest in attendance.
‘My Party of One was a picnic. Because of Covid-19 we were in lockdown and so did the filming under the trees at my house. It was really special having Angel in the filming with me because I couldn’t invite anyone else because we were in isolation. My costume was made especially for me (by costume designer Myumi McPhee) and it felt beautiful to wear. I loved the feeling of moving my body around.’
The underlying optimism of Party of One reflects a cast who want to connect with others, and bring some fun onto people’s screens and into their lives.
Party of One:
Directed by Samara Cunningham
Video Artist: Luke McNee
Composer: Andrew Murray
Costume Design: Myumi McPhee
Arts Worker: Iris Galliard
Guest Artist: Tara Silcock
Communications and Resources: Melanie Caple
Ensemble Members: Emily Ardley; Iris Galliard; Jess Murray; Josh Latham; Mitchell Price; Steve Canning; Murray Lester; David Baker and Debbie Wilson.
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