Despostic Tendencies
Originally commissioned as a twenty minute stage work in 2018, Despotic Tendencies evolved into an experimental dance film exploring power, influence and collective behaviour.
At the centre of the work is a cartoonish figure who, supported by a group of stealthy disciples, delivers increasingly dark and unsettling messages. Moving between satire, absurdity and unease, the work examines how authority is performed, how followers are cultivated and how spectacle can disguise manipulation.
Through physical theatre, contemporary dance and cinematic imagery, Despotic Tendencies invites audiences to reflect on the fragile boundary between entertainment and control, questioning why societies are often drawn toward charismatic figures who promise certainty in uncertain times.
The film adaptation was completed in 2020 and has been submitted to national and international film festivals.
Dancers - Morgan Anderson, Sam Butts, Lauren Dreis, Dean Elliot, Tayla Mutton, Connor Nantes, Jessica Quay, Maddy Sanli
Co - Directed - Gavin Jarrett and Anton
Choreography - Anton
Music - Jai Pyne
Director of Photography - Carina Burke
Editor - Sarah Panzetta
Lighting - Steve Hendy
Second Camera Jarred Lammimian
1st AD - Vanessa Buckley
Lighting Assistant - Emjay Matthews
Colour Grade - Nic Venettacci
Data Wrangler - David Botton
Camera Assist - Sally Cattle
Thank you Ev and Bow and Bangarra Dance Theatre