Otago Dance Association (ODA) are tumbling headfirst down the rabbit hole this month with the crowning jewel of the club: their annual showcase. Mark your calendars for the 26th and 27th of September when 108(ish) students will take the stage. This year, the performance is a stage-adaptation of ‘Alice in Wonderland’.
Co-directors Hannah and Sophie told Critic Te Ārohi that the choice to adapt Alice came after a big conversation about whether to follow the book, the cartoon movie, or the Johnny Depp-Tim Burton version. Naturally, the only solution was to do all three at once. Expect a storyline stitched together with iconic moments: painting the roses red, a game of croquet, and the Mad Hatter’s tea party.
The production features a whopping 23 dances ranging from jazz and hip-hop, to heels and musical theatre; choreographed by a crew of very passionate student volunteers. The idea of it all is almost as ridiculous as the storyline. At one point, all 100+ cast members squeeze onto the stage at once in what sounds like a health and safety nightmare but is (Critic was assured) actually really cool.
Behind the scenes, a seventeen-strong directing, lighting, costuming, and props team have been “going feral,” aided by the Dunedin Men’s Shed, who are responsible for helping conjure up the oversized Wonderland oddities. Think big, colourful, and wacky enough to leave you wanting to host a tea party of your own afterwards – perhaps cheekily spiked with whatever has the Hatter so deliriously happy.
From Kanye and the Rio soundtrack, to classical ballet and chaotic storytelling, the show promises something for literally everyone. “Any age will enjoy it,” said Sophie. “There’s humour, emotion, and silliness.” Even Nana is encouraged to come to the party. Tickets are available via Eventbrite and will set you back less than $15 as a student – cheaper than your nicest bottle of wine.