A Resting Mess - Book now for your sanctuary in a chaotic world

Opening tomorrow night, Thursday, 15 August 2024, for the fab 10 Nights In Port festival, 10 performers will dance with elation and exhaustion, slipping and sliding over mountains of ‘mess’ in A Resting Mess.

There’s the literal mess (recyclables and household stuff everywhere!) but also the mess our world is in.

A Resting Mess is a joyous, chaotic and tender performance created gradually over eight years by internationally recognised dance artist Daisy Sanders. Originating from her experience of chronic fatigue, Daisy says: “It feels more important than ever that we come together to dance, grieve, play and rest in order to face the chaos and pace of our world. This work suggests we can begin tackling urgent social and environmental issues by building powerful community bonds.”

credit Josh Wells Photography

In the evenings, A Resting Mess is a 75-minute performance adventure. Dance and theatre
scenes move from softness to focused choreography, serenity to riotous participation. The spell is enhanced by music, played live by Josten Myburgh and Pavan Hari. Whisper-quiet soundscapes mix with ethereal saxophone chants and moments of wild percussion. Original songs by Felicity Groom are sung in chorus by the whole cast, infusing the work with humour and nostalgia.

In the afternoons, A Resting Mess exists as a community reflection space. Audiences can touch
the generous heart of the work by joining dancers and musicians for sessions of genuine rest.
Having a snooze is more than welcome!

“Audiences can enjoy the wondrous world of A Resting Mess in two different ways,” explains
Daisy. “Drop in to the free afternoon sessions and stay as long as you need for deep rest and
reflection. In the evenings, buy a ticket and be transported by a highly physical and immersive performance of dance, theatre and live music.”

“A Resting Mess invites you to be captivated by an exploration of crisis, healing, chaos and care.”

Daisy Sanders. Credit Fremantle Shipping News

This project has been supported by the West Australian Government through the Department of
Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Daisy has been supported by a great creative team:
Lead artist (creator / performer / producer): Daisy Sanders
Sound creators / performers: Josten Myburgh, Felicity Groom
Performers: Pavan Hari, Mani Mae Gomes, Khia Emslie-O’Brien, Maree Cole,
Stephanie Pick, Muriel Hillion Toulcanon, Matthew Morris
Production: Ben Nelson, Mark Homer
Co-producer: Nicholas Harle

VENUE: Old Custom House, 8 Phillimore Street, Fremantle WA 6160
DATES: 15-25 August 2024
FREE AFTERNOON SESSIONS: a quiet community space to rest and reflect
● Friday/Saturdays 16-17 and 23-24 August, 2.00pm-5.00pm
● Sundays 18 and 25 August, 11.00am-1.00pm
TICKETED PERFORMANCES: 75 minutes with no interval, $25 +BF online / $30 door sales
● Thursday 15 August, 7.00pm
● Friday 16 August, 7.00pm
● Saturday 17 August, 7.00pm
● Sunday 18 August, 3.00pm (family session)
● Thursday 22 August, 7.00pm
● Friday 23 August, 7.00pm
● Saturday 24 August, 7.00pm
● Sunday 25 August, 3.00pm
BOOK for A Resting Mess right here

Our Editor, Michael Barker, was pleased to catch up with Daisy Sanders ahead of the opening of A Resting Mess to make this podcast where we discuss the performance, what to expect, the inspiration for it, and more about Daisy.

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