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FOUNTAIN
by Philip Adams

Presented at Martyn Myer Arena
05th - 11th June 2025

FOUNTAIN explores the psycho-physical world of auditions through a queer interpretation of 1980s classics including Alan Parker’s FAME (1980) and Jane Fonda’s ‘Workout’ (1982). Exploring themes of repetition, trauma euphoria, exhaustion, endurance and fierce competition, dancers subject themselves to absurd, childish, and fantastical tasks. How far will they go? FOUNTAIN captures the aspirations, struggles, and triumphs of dancers seeking to gain a foothold in the ‘industry’ whilst holding onto a Utopian drive ‘to live forever’. Scored for prepared piano, theremin, bells and recorded retro synth pop, the soundscape evokes both an eerie cinematic atmosphere, and a manic Jane Fonda-esque aerobics class.

The Victorian College of the Arts was thrilled to be included in the RISING program, showcasing VCA Dance and Design and Production students. The cast’s youthful dynamic energy mirrored the high-stakes, camp, and comedic intensity of A Chorus Line. FOUNTAIN was a challenge that was both fitting and inspiring during the students’ final year of training.

Credits

CHOREOGRAPHY - PHILIP ADAMS
COMPOSITION - JORDAN GILMOUR
set design - Nethmi Gunasekera
costume design - ISOBEL MCCAULEY
lighting design - DREW THOMPSON
sound Design - jett manzie
VISION DESIGN - AMY TODD
stage management - YOLANDA BOX
photographs - GREGORY LORENZUTTI

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