Happy as Larry

The main set piece, a revolving black rectangular box is the backdrop for The Boss with stand out performance from Dean Cross who etches, scribbles, graffitis and moves with the flow in a mayhemic fashion as vignettes, duos and full company of nine ennegrammatic inspired dancers grace the stage and make it sizzle with hot play and humour. Delightful playful gasps and explosions of joy come from the three women performers in a memorable vignette in a territory which is normally silent for dancers… it’s sexy.

Inspiration for the cast of characters in Happy As Larry was developed from the Enneagram model, a psychological system that maps nine personality types: the Perfectionist, the Giver, the Performer, the Tragic Romantic, the Observer, the Devil’s Advocate, the Optimist, the Boss and the Mediator. Using a free-flowing mix of ballet, contemporary dance, astanga yoga, break-dance, salsa and more, each performer constructs a unique movement expression for their character. Happy as Larry the brainchild of Shaun Parker and Company with excellent performers in Miranda Wheen, and Marnie Palomares brings a very innovative and electric dance project to Perth for the Perth International Arts Festival as a commissioned work. Perth Festival artistic director Shelagh Magadza said: “We are proud to commission this new work from one of Australia’s hottest young choreographers.”

Hip routines, exhilarating antics on roller blades by Lee Wilson, and the ‘death sequence’ by Cross have the audience clapping at every turn. Happy as Larry is about human drive to capture the elusiveness of happiness and delivered with such raw moves which culminates in a company routine that drives the notion that the human spirit is what is sustained and cannot be driven out!

Delivered with such accomplishment and ease the company are given extended applause and make this a feast for the senses. Shaun Parker’s background in music, choreography, physical theatre and dance make his work a must see in the future. The contemporariness is riveting, but the emotional tenure of his work is unique and inspiring – a joy to behold!

HAPPY AS LARRY

5 February – 1 March