At any one time, there can be performances taking place on three different continents.
Strange Fruit is a Melbourne-based performing arts company that produces and performs a remarkable style of work that fuses theatre, dance and circus, using a unique elevated medium. Perched atop 5-metre high flexible poles of original design, the troupe delivers a sublime performance, bending and swaying in the air, captivating and engaging the audience in absolute fascination. Originally based o
n the image of a field of wheat swaying in the breeze, the poles' extreme strength and flexibility allow the performer to bow to impossible angles, swaying back and forth in a hypnotising dance as the audience looks up in wonder. With a world-renowned repertoire that celebrates a wide variety of themes and stories, the company has achieved near-cult status in almost every continent across the globe. Performing regularly at festivals, special events and private functions, their sublime, hypnotic beauty is truly remarkable and must be experienced to appreciate its full effect. General information
Due to the dialogue-free nature of the work and its ability to speak to people across all divides, the company's repertoire is extremely popular with international audiences and most of the company's work is performed overseas, resulting in the development of tightly synchronised logistics and tour management professionals. The company's dedicated team of performers, crew, touring staff, board and management have seen the company go from strength to strength since its inception in 1994. Strange Fruit has performed:
* In over 50 different countries
* At over 450 international festivals and events
* To well over 5 million people
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NOTES ON THE COMPANY NAME
The company was founded in Melbourne, Australia in 1994, with the founders of the company having no knowledge of the Billie Holiday song. The name 'Strange Fruit' intends no reference to the song and came from a dream by the creator of the apparatus with which we work, and on which our shows are based. The dream was of a field of wheat swaying in the wind, which led to the creation of our flexible poles. Strange, brightly colored fruit were atop the strands, which he saw as performers in bright costumes. The company has a 21 year history of international touring to over 50 countries, and as such the name has become strongly connected with the company. It was not until we had toured in the United States that anyone within the company became aware of the connotation of the name in that country. In cases where a town or festival considers the name inappropriate, we also perform under the name “Australia’s Sway Poles” or “The Fruits.” in order to avoid any unfortunate connotations or reference to the song. Our intention is to create, free to the public, work which brings joy to as many people as possible. We do not, in any way, condone any form of racism.
EUROPE
Frans Brood Gie Baguet & Lisbet Van de Sype
Land van Waaslaan 82 - B 9040 Gent BELGIUM
tel: + 32 9 234 12 12
fax: + 32 9 265 96 50
email: [email protected]
web: www.fransbrood.com
