Thomas, choreographer of Wombman, is both a playwright and a choreographer, and founder of Los Angeles based performance company Enlightened Theatre. Thomas’ aim is for her work to inspire awareness of social issues and the responsibility of us all for our common humanity. “I find (dance) to be a less confrontational medium,” says Thomas. “It gives the audience the power to create personal meaning. Dance starts conversations.”
Starting conversations is what Enlightened Theatre’s latest production Wombman is all about. A choreographic story told through Thomas’ distinctive blend of dance and theatre, the piece focuses on big issues such as gender, race, power, obsession – all told from the female perspective. Thomas comments that at a recent question and answer session after the premiere of the show in Los Angeles, the men had the most to contribute. “The show is really speaking from the female perspective, not in relationship to men or the male gaze but truly in relationship to herself,” she says. “I think a lot of times men expect to see women raise up a fist and burn their bras in shows such as these but Wombman really explores ideas that are not publicly engaged amongst mixed company.”
Thomas says an important part of Wombman is the acknowledgement of the male dynamic from a female perspective. She believes the work gives men an opportunity to consider life from the point of view of women they are close to – mothers, sisters, daughters, partners. “A man will get to hear some our secrets. It may even answer a few questions they have about women.” Thomas believes that dance is distinct from any other art form in the way that it can approach issues which may be sensitive or seem foreign to their audience. “The grace and beauty of a dancer automatically captures the attention of the audience. Once you’ve done that, they are open to hearing what you have to say.”
Which is good, given that Thomas and Enlightened Theater have a lot to say. “I’m extremely passionate about self-acceptance. Guilt, shame, and fear of ridicule and rejection play a big part in why we don’t take risks to live the life we envisioned in our youth,” says Thomas. “My goal is to be a mirror so people begin to realise that we are all dealing with a lot of the same issues, even if it be at different times. You are never alone.” Thomas’ messages around our definition of success, too, may strike a chord with many people struggling with what it means in the modern world. “We are taught to play it safe. ‘Grow up, follow the rules, go to school, get a good job, get married, save for a retirement, and then hope you live freely in those last golden years’,” says Thomas. “I want to challenge this idea of success. I created a workshop called the Visionaries retreat to inspire people to live, to take their dreams and passions and create a sustainable lifestyle doing what you love. My ultimate commitment to myself and others is to be a reminder.”
An interesting aspect to the way Thomas goes about this task is how she blends her work as a playwright and a choreographer. “I’ve always wanted to create work that infused the two in a way that lovers of both dance and theatre feel fulfilled,” she says. “I’m a huge fan of literature too, and a lot of times you will find references to books in my work.” Wombman is an excellent example of this technique, featuring a section inspired by the Hunger Games trilogy written by Suzanne Collins. “Every audience member will understand the concept but those who’ve read the books will explore another layer of my work. I love leaving those nuggets for avid readers like myself.”
So why Australia? Los Angeles isn’t exactly around the corner. The answer, as it so often does, comes down to simply a matter of chance. “I volunteered at the Los Angeles Web Festival a few months back which gave me the opportunity to connect with Max De Bowen of Max Films,” says Thomas. “We realised we had a lot of common interests and that Australia was on my radar as a place to explore my artistry. He connected me with Cy Gorman who is the Artistic Director of the White Room at Kindred Studios and an international debut was born.”
BY JOSH FERGEUS
