Acquisitions 06

MEDIA RELEASE
1 February 2006

Touch Compass presents
Acquisitions 06

5 Choreographers - 5 short works - 2 short films - NO BOUNDARIES

Following their critically acclaimed season of ACQUISITIONS 03, New
Zealand's only professional mixed ability company Touch Compass returns
to Auckland with another sensational programme of short dance and film
works. Drawing on an exceptional pool of talent, this company continues
to re-invent itself, presenting work that challenges perceptions and
delivers, magic and great diversity.

"You leave wondering if there is anything this brave, beautiful,
determined and talented troupe can't do."

- Acquisitions 03 Review, Bernadette Rae, NZ Herald, April 2003

ACQUISITIONS 06 is an extraordinary collection of short works, each
armed with a tale to tell in its own unique choreographic style. This
includes two short films - 'Beauty' by Bronwyn Hayward and the premiere
of the new Touch Compass film, directed by Alyx Duncan (Pandora) and
written by Michele Powles (Pandora, Outlaw Creative). The film follows a
young shopper, Down Syndrome boy Jesse Steele, into an antique shop,
where he learns the real meaning of 'shelf life'.

Live works feature highlights from Ten of Hearts, by award winning
choreographer, Malia Johnston (Miniatures, Terrain). Johnston is admired
by NZ audiences for her role as choreographer of 'The Montana Wearable
Arts Awards', and as founding member of her own highly successful
company Outlaw Creative; taking her work on the road to a larger
national audience.

With a new work on offer in this year's line-up, resident Choreographer
Catherine Chappell continues to inspire dancers and audiences, for both
for the stage and screen. Founder of Touch Compass in 1997, Catherine
has been instrumental in many of the company's finest achievements
including performances at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics, The Lighthouse
season at The Aotea Centre 2002, and Acquisitions 03.

ACQUISITIONS 06, also includes work from choreographers Alexa Wilson
(LNC, Noah's Artifice, Magic Box), Matt Gibbons (Monster), and Suzanne
Cowan (Hephaestus and Ares). Suzanne is thrilled to have the opportunity
to premiere her work in this programme, drawing on her experience with
international company CandoCo UK, making her the first ever disabled
choreographer to have work accepted by Touch Compass for public
performance.

ACQUISITIONS 06 boasts a fine stable of professional dancers including
Julia Milsom, Lusi Faiva, Matt Gibbons, Jesse Steele, Daniel King,
Bronwyn Hayward, Tim Turner, Sarah Campus, Maaka Pepene and Suzanne
Cowan.

Comedian Philip Patston will open the showcase, with his distinctive
style of comedy, loved by New Zealand audiences.

ACQUISITIONS 06, plays at The Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall
May 3 - May 7, 7pm, Tickets $18- $30 (booking fee may apply)
May 5, 12pm, Shorter programme with discussion, Tickets $12 (booking fee
may apply)
Bookings through Ticketek: 09 307 5000

ENDS

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