Andrew's mutation

Dean asked me... "If mutation is a point of change and adaption a process of change to suit where you are and how you function, what do you think is meant by mutation? What does it mean to you?

Andrew

For me its something that happens in your jeans, not the ones you wear, it could be...but...its more the ones inside us.

I got extra cream and crispy... I love talking about food and drinks. I dont know what's going on. It happens to every single word I say - I dont know why, but...you know what? Its confusing. Its a long word...there are lots of long words.

You asked me what mutation means to me.

Please explain.

You know A?

A is for Andrew and A is for ape.

I like apes, and I like gorillas a lot. They are funny.

Apes eat bananas. I eat bananas coz its healthy. I don't know what I'm saying.

Mutation?

Well... it could be change for me too. I reckon everybody changes. Its about me - what about me? It isn't fair...that's a song I think.

Andrew sings.

I've got a crush on Marion Bay

Returning to the Touring Company for this second stage development of the work are Andrew Pandos, Dana Nance, Matthew Shilcock, Elizabeth Ryan and Miranda Wheen. Jianna Georgiou joins the creative process on a 3-week professional development. The dancers remember the highlights from working with Dean Walsh in the Innes National Park.

You last worked together at Bundanon in winter 2011. What's it been like getting back together with the old gang for the second stage development? Is anything different?

Elizabeth
It's like we've never been apart! Everyone clocked in with each other very quickly, socially and on the dance floor. We were more readily able to drop into the choreographic world of Second Nature having already experienced the first creative development together.

Andrew
It has been awesome catching up with the gang again they are all good people and we are all on the dance floor again.. hooray.. l enjoyed Bundanon because we spent longer there but l also like being at Marion Bay.

Jianna
Its exciting to see everyone again. It was different being close to the beach. Marion Bay is different to Bundanon.


What does Second Nature mean to you?

Elizabeth
Second Nature to me is entering into and knowing your own nature as well as being open to discovering your connection to other realms and forms of life that are around you.

Andrew
Second Nature means new experiences for me. I found out that there was more inside of me and I am able to do different things and do more with nature.

Jianna
Second Nature is about our own personal environment as opposed to nature.


Have you challenged yourself to find new ways of working this time around? What have you learnt so far from this process?

Elizabeth
As was the case last time, working with Restless Dance Theatre teaches me a lot about myself. Coming out of my self involved pod and co-exisiting with such a range of creative brains and bodies is truly exciting and inspiring.

Andrew
I have grown in finding new ways to work with the crew and have learnt a lot. I liked learning about nature

Jianna
Yes I have. Being in Marion Bay gave me different ideas about the work. I am enjoying it more.


Can you tell me a little more about the role that you discovered and have been developing for Second Nature?

Elizabeth
The role I have been discovering in Second Nature is a bit of a shape shifter - able to morph between the elements and across various species, including being myself. I'm also a bit of a mother to the group being the oldest well and truly - which I'm quite enjoying!

Andrew
I know what my role is but I can't spell it out. I enjoy performing and entertaining.

Jianna
The role that I discovered is based on an Arthropod which is a crustacean and I am evolving the role. Its very enjoyable.