EXTRACTS OF STASILAND.
PROGRAMME NOTE:
Set in the shredded document ruins of a collapsed government, 4 individuals diligently work to recover their stories. As they piece together the papers that lie strewn around them, they are transported into their memories, discovering the secrets of their own lives. With the new knowledge these documents provide, the Stasi (secret government agents) are revealed, sending secret signals to each other, brushing their noses, holding their stomachs and backs and creeping ever closer to our characters, setting the course for their lives without ever touching them.
Inspired by the book Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall by Anna Funder & designed for audiences in Galleries, Libraries & Theatres.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Stasiland is a 25-minute dance-theatre work that utilises movement, theatre, costume and set design to tell multiple but interconnected stories. Throughout the piece dancers play multiple characters, sharing individual stories and playing supporting roles. Prior to and after performances there will be opportunity to talk the dancers and creators and interact with the costume and set, which is made up of piles of shredded paper.
This performance showcases extracts of the 25 minute work.
CREDITS:
Choreographer & Dancer: Olivia Wallis Jackson
Dancer & Collaborator: Kai Harvey
Dancer & Collaborator: Jonah Woolfenden
Dramaturgy: Bailey Dowler
Costume Designer: Synne Lundesgaard
Music: Madeleine by Klaus Renft Combo & In Cold Light by Vanbur
Supported by Arts Council England, Pavilion Dance South West, Mayflower Studios, Hampshire Libraries, Lila Dance, Luke Brown Company, and ZoieLogic Dance Theatre.
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
Premier Dance Theatre, currently based in Southampton, works across the South and in London creating dance theatre pieces that are rooted in contemporary dance. With a focus on storytelling collaboration is essential to this work. Our processes draw on a variety of art making practices, inviting artists from across the UK’s vibrant art and performance scene to share their unique stories in creation and performance.
We are committed to fostering working environments that are collaborative, experimental, supportive, risk taking & innovative, while providing opportunities to those in the transition between training and professional life. Additionally, we strive to make work that can be situated in multiple environments, allowing outstanding dance-theatre to be accessible to communities across the UK and internationally.
We are a 2025 Visiting Artist at Pavilion Dance South West, completing a residency in July to continue developing our first professional work - Stasiland.
Founded in 2024 by Olivia Wallis Jackson.
SEE STASILAND IN FULL:
4th October 2025, 10:00 & 11:30 at Basingstoke Discovery Centre
11th October 2025, 11:00 & 14:00, at Gosport Discovery Centre
Further Tour Dates TBC. Keep up with us on INSTAGRAM.
If you’re interested in booking Stasiland for your venue, please email olivia.wallis.jackson@gmail.com
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THOUGHT.
YOUR COMMENTS HELP US IMPROVE, ADVERTISE & TELL OUR PARTNERS HOW WE’RE IMPACTING PEOPLE:
HOW COMMENTS WORK:
After pressing ‘Post Comment’ you will be asked to enter your name, email & URL. It is only necessary to enter your name and then press ‘Comment as Guest’.
If you would like your comment to remain anonymous, when prompted please enter ‘ANONYMOUS’ or your initials into the name section.
IF YOU NEED A PROMPT YOU CAN ANSWER ONE OF THESE:
Three words to describe what you thought, saw or felt
What questions did you have for the dancers/characters?
What was your favourite part of the piece, which story impacted you the most?
What was your favourite element (movement, costume, music, set design)?