Described as part shadow act, part dance, part circus and part concert, 'Shadowland' will astound audiences.
The production uses multiple moving screens that result in a performance that merges projected images and front-of-screen choreography. The show was created in collaboration with Steven Banks, head writer for the hit Nickelodeon Show 'SpongeBob SquarePants', and singer-songwriter David Poe. Lauren Yolango is part of internationally-acclaimed dance troupe Pilobolus and plays Dog Girl in the show.
What is your role and how did you become involved?
I joined Pilobolus in 2008 and we began creating 'Shadowland' the following year. There were nine original dancers who helped collaborate with the artistic team as well as Steven Banks. We spent roughly nine months in our studio in Connecticut and six years later, we are still performing the show around the world. It’s been quite a thrill! I am privileged to play the lead role, Dog Girl.
When did you decide to become a performer and why?
My mother put me into dance classes when I was three years old. I had quite a bit of energy and dance was the perfect outlet for that. After seeing Pennsylvania Ballet’s version of 'The Nutcracker', I told my mom I was going to be a dancer. From that day forward, dance became my life. I was in a ballet company until I was 18 and then I attended New York University’s, Tisch School of the Arts, earning my B.F.A in Dance. Performing has always been a huge part of my life — it makes me feel alive. I have never been one with words and performing gives me a sort of cathartic release. There is nothing like performing — putting your entire self on the line — it is one of the most vulnerable yet exciting things in my life.
This production involved the use of screens and shadows — is this a hard thing to master? Shadow work is both incredibly simple but also a delicate and challenging medium. Shadows are incredibly unforgiving. It works or it doesn’t. We also try to not simply make shadows, but to make these shadows as alive as possible — so that they have a personality and a real believability.
What are some of the most frustrating elements of working with shadows and screens?
Some of our biggest frustrations in the show are when our technology fails us. Our main light source, which we call “Christie,” has blown before and the dancers have to scramble and figure out what other light sources we can use to keep the show going.
And what are the best parts of this production for you as a performer?
For my role in the show, there is a ton of acting. I am also on stage performing for the entire show without rest. This is both incredibly exciting and challenging. I was primarily a dancer prior to working on this show and now I feel I have developed further as an actress, which is quite fun.
What have been past audience reactions of the show?
I think the show is accessible and everyone can draw something from it. The show is unique — people don’t know quite what to expect and then are pleasantly surprised by our beautiful blend of live dance and shadow theatre. There are places that have been a bit more conservative with applause — waiting until the end of the show to clap, while other places are vocal and applauding throughout the performance. We create a surprise finale for each city we travel to and this always gets the audience really excited!
What would you like people to say after they’ve seen the performance?
I hope that the audience feels they have witnessed a truly unique performance. I hope they were taken out of their daily grind and felt they saw a fun, witty and original piece of art.
Anything else readers should know?
Come see our show! It is truly one of a kind. We are absolutely thrilled to be heading to Australia — we cannot wait! Stay tuned after the show for a surprise finale!
Shadowland Tour Dates
June 10-15 - The Playhouse, QPAC (Brisbane)June 17-20 - The State Theatre (Sydney)
Jun 21-22 - The Canberra Theatre (Canberra)
June 25 - July 6 - The Regal Theatre (Perth)
