OUR WORK
Dance Plant Collective is a contemporary dance-theatre company based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa
Our vision is to create politically challenging and transformative performance work and the roots of our practice are planted in a desire to nuture community, honour the body as a locus of understanding and uphold the interconnectedness of all things.
Dance Plant Collective have shared our award-winning, sold-out performances throughout New Zealand and Australia. We regularly offer collaborative opportunities through a community-based approach within our work.
RITUALS OF SIMILARITY
2023-2024
A new contemporary dance duet by Brittany and Natasha Kohler for Dance Plant Collective, unravelling the intricate layers of twinhood.
Rituals of Similarity is a new contemporary dance duet by Brittany and Natasha Kohler for Dance Plant Collective, unravelling the intricate layers of twinhood.
Born 7 minutes apart, we entered this world together. Side by side, or sometimes top and tail, we are two individuals, recognised as one. Rituals of Similarity explores the fine line between warmth and friction, rivalry and unity, synchrony and idiosyncrasy. It is a pas de deux of sameness, doubles, and contrasts.
How do two identical bodies navigate each other's physicality? Who takes up more space? How does individuality exist within identical appearance?
Witness the soft, intimate beginnings, the identical experiences, the subtle spot-the-differences. It’s time to shake off the twin tropes and be confronted with reality - we come together, from elsewhere.
Creative Team:
Choreographers and Performers - Brittany Kohler and Natasha Kohler
Producer - Julie Zhu (2023)
Set Designer - Talia Pua
Costume Designer - Zoë McNicholas
Lighting Designer & Op - Paul Bennett
Sound Designer - Lucien Johnson
Image Credit - Amanda Billing
Thank you to:
Q Theatre, Red Leap Theatre, Ben O'Connor, Katrina Todd, Sharon Kohler, Stephan Kohler, The Dance Studio, Wellesley Studios, Jinki Cambronero, Grit Becker, Zoë Nicholson
Shown at:
Q Theatre Loft as part of Q Theatre MATCHBOX Programme 2023
Te Auaha, Pōneke as part of New Zealand Fringe Festival 2024
ONEONESIX, Whangārei 2024
STRUCTURE
2023
STRUCTURE exists as a metaphorical magnifying glass. The show highlights the ways in which external structures control our lives in the era of late-stage Capitalism. What causes us to follow the norm and what happens when we deviate from this? STRUCTURE encourages the audience to gaze inwards, examining the harsh rigidity of impersonal structures and the gentleness of interpersonal connections.
Exploring themes of social interconnectivity, mental health, the loneliness epidemic, grief, loss, hope and joy, this show will transport you through a meditative, melancholic yet hopeful reflection on what it means to exist in 2023.
Choreographic Direction: Bella Wilson
Producer: Madison Cronin
Lead Dancers: Brittany Kohler, Gus Syben, Kit Reilly & Natasha Kohler
Ensemble Dancers: Abi Jones, Alexandra Lamm, Carla Harré, Deborah Fletcher, Erin Meek, Holly Finch, Jess Crompton & Joanna Cook
Understudies: Lara Chuo, Tess Doorman-Smith, Peni Fakaua & Woody Sabanhdt.
Composer: Flo Wilson
Choreographic Mentor: Lucy Marinkovich
Costume Designer: Lisa EcEwan
Lighting Designer: Paul Bennett
Av Designer: Yin-Chi Lee
Photography: Jinki Cambronero
Shown at: Raye Freedman Arts Centre, Auckland 2023
Contribution to & support of previous STRUCTURE development periods:
Lucy Guerin Inc. (Melbourne), Wellesley Studios, Creative New Zealand, Unitec Dance, The University of Auckland - Dance Studies department, Dance24Seven, Zoë Nicholson, Tūī Hofmann, Jaz Yahel, Alexa Wilson, Cat Ruka, Sarah Foster-Sproull, James O’Hara, Katrina Todd, Adam Naughton, Sharvon Mortimer, Oli Mathiesen, Katrina Bastian, Raven Afoa-Purcell, Kimberley Halberg, Elani Austin-Tennant, Issie Cassidy, Ruchi Ahuja, Celia Hext, Cade Hansen, Katie Shaw, Cecilia Wilcox, Nahyeon Lee & Janaína Moraes.
Theatreview Review: Nicole Wilkie
Theatreview Review: Felicity Molloy
MAGNIFICENT REMAINS
2021
What remains when we offer surrealism to the body? How does one dance with the subconscious?
Magnificent Remains is a contemporary dance work by Brittany Kohler in collaboration with Dance Plant Collective, inspired by the surrealism movement. It is a nod to the original Surrealists, who, in pursuit of liberation turned to the unconscious mind.
Choreographic Direction: Brittany Kohler
Producer: Zoë Nicholson
Dancers: Amber Liberté, Bella Wilson, Jacob Reynolds, Miriam Eskilden, Natasha Kohler, Neža Jamnikar, Raven Afoa-Purcell, Tūī Hofmann
Choreographic Mentor: Rose Philpott
Sound Designer: james risbey
Costume Designer: Zoë McNicholas
Lighting Designer: Paul Bennett
Photography: Jinki Cambronero
Shown at: LOT23, Auckland 2021 (Premiere Season)
Theatreview Review: Lucien Johnson
DESPERATE LATE NIGHT ENERGY
2019
Desperate Late Night Energy! A blend of colour, sounds, electronic beats and hypnotising dance moves. Boycrush and Dance Plant Collective have come together to create a night of unhinged madness and magic. Prepare to be allured.
Boycrush released their album Desperate Late Night Energy in 2018, and it received rave reviews. They were nominated for a VNZMA for Best Electronic Artist and for the Critic's Choice Award. Boycrush has previously opened for Lorde, Kimbra, and Liam Finn.
Choreographic Direction & Peformance: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Jaz Yahel, Natasha Kohler, Tūī Hofmann
Producer: Zoë Nicholson
Music & Live Peformance: Boycrush
Costume Design: RUBY
Lighting Design: Paul Bennett
Photography: Peter Jennings
Shown at: Basement Theatre - Auckland Fringe Festival 2019
Awards: 'Best Costume' and 'Best Music' Auckland Fringe Awards Night
MEAT
2018-2019
Goodbye conscious consumer, hello capitalist perfection, from farm to fridge all neatly disguised for your ethical pleasure.
MEAT offers an immersive and penetrating dive into the unsettling psychology of consumption; what are you consuming and what consumes you?
Choreographic Direction: Tūī Hofmann
Producer: Zöe Nicholson
Peformers: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Jaz Yahel, Natasha Kohler, Rose Tapsell (2018 iteration), Tūī Hofmann
(2019 iteration)
Sound Designer: Alex Zielinski (Riyoon)
Costume Designer: Lisa McEwan
Textile Designer: Elise Li
Lighting Designer: Paul Bennett
Av Designer: Sam Folkhard-Hodgson
Set Designer: Achmed Abman
Photography: Justin Spiers
Shown at: Basement Theatre (Premiere Season 2018), BATS Theatre Wellington - NZ Fringe Festival 2019, Dunedin Fringe Festival (2019), ONEONESIX Theatre - Whangārei (2019), Abbotsford Convent - Industrial School, Melbourne Fringe (2019)
Awards: MEAT was nominated for Outstanding Design, Best in Fringe and won Best Dance at the Dunedin Fringe Awards 2019.
Theatreview Review: Hannah Molloy
THE COST OF
ARMS AND LEGS
2018
A ritual, in three slices, giving trust to natural discoveries and curiosity. They present these slices between mind and magic, giving light to darkness and answers to no questions. They are each their own and own their slices. As we are, in similarity and unknown, finding space within boundaries and boundaries within space.
A wordplay, a movement play, and a look at the fallings into place within their art form. Dance Plant Collective present a look at our thoughts, our relationships, and the unknown.
Choreographic Direction: Bella Wilson ('Cha(order)s'), Brittany Kohler & Natasha Kohler (Rituals of Similarity)
Producer: Zoë Nicholson
Performers: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Jaz Yahel, Natasha Kohler
Sound Designer: james risbey
Lighting Design: Paul Bennett
Photography: Peter Jennings
Shown at: Studio One — Toi Tū - Auckland Fringe Festival 2018, Short & Sweet Dance Festival 2018 (Rituals of Similarity)
Awards: 'Best Newcomers Award - Company' - Auckland Fringe Awards 2018, DANZ Choreographic Mentorship Award 2018 (Rituals of Similarity).
DESIRE LINE(S)
2017
Paths that pedestrians take informally - in spite of urban design
Why do we stay "on track" when the route just goes in circles? What drives us to stray from sanctioned pathways? How do we harmonize our desires?
and where does spontaneity lead us?''
Desire Line(s) was Dance Plant's first work as a collective and was premiered in early 2017. Co-choreographed by the full collective, the work had a successful season at Auckand's Samoa House and was re-developed into a series of short films later in 2018.
Choreographic Direction & Performance: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Jaz Yahel, Natasha Kohler, Rose Tapsell, Tūī Hofmann
Sound Design: Flo Wilson
Lighting Design: Paul Bennett
Shown at: Samoa House, Auckland 2017
LIGHT NIGHT
AUCKLAND ART FESTIVAL
2023
For one night only, embark on a journey of unmatched after-hours access, where the visual and live arts collide.
The central city’s most iconic galleries are open late, playing host to a thrilling suite of exhibitions and curious delights. With offerings that include captivating performances by Dance Plant Collective and IDCO, a series of DJ sets by M4URI M4STA, RNG†sus, Sezzo, and Jess Fu, and a wide range of stunning artworks, everyone can find something to delight in on this art hīkoi through central Auckland.
Follow the trail to see illuminating live entertainment alongside exceptional visual art from Aotearoa and beyond. Experience your favourite galleries in a rare new light.
Choreographic Direction & Performance: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Natasha Kohler, Tūī Hofmann
Sound Designer: Ed Zuccolo & Mike Hodgson
Costume Designer: RUBY
Lighting Designer: Ben O'Connor, Sam Folkhard-Hodgson
AV Designer: Nocturnal, Sam Folkhard-Hodgson
Photography: David St. George
A collaboration between Dance Plant Collective X Auckland Arts Festival X Auckland Art Gallery
SPELLBOUND
2021
'Spellbound' is a site specific dance performance that premiered at LUMA 2021. Spellbound activates the space and follows characters through the nooks of the forest.
Video
Choreographic Direction: Jaz Yahel & Natasha Kohler
Performance: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Raven Afoa-Purcell,
Jaz Yahel, Katrina Bastian, Natasha Kohler & Tūī Hofmann
Sound Designer: Mike Hodgson
Costume Designer: Ana Van Schie
Lighting Designers: Anau Hazeldine, Paul Bennett, Sam Folkhard-Hodgson,
Production: Zoë Nicholson
A collaboration between Dance Plant Collective & LUMA Southern Lights Projectt Queenstown
ORBIT
2021
Orbit premiered in January 2021 during TSB Festival of Lights as a roaming performance and has since been performed at Splore Festival and Human Agency's 'Performance Town' in Sandringham Village.
Choreographic Direction & Concept: Natasha Kohler
Performance: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Emma Broad Emma Cosgrave,
Holly Finch, Natasha Kohler, Tūī Hofmann
Sound Designer: Kit Reilly
Costume / Set Designer: Natasha Kohler & Jaz Yahel, RUBY
Producer: Zoë Nicholson
Photography: Kit Reilly
A BRIEF ENCOUNTER
2019
A Brief Encounter premiered at Turama mid 2019. The festival was held at Auckland's Albert Park.
Choreographic Direction: Tūī Hofmann
Performance: Ariana Hond, Bella Wilson, Emma Cosgrave, Kit Reilly,
Terry Morrison, Villa Junior Lemanu
Sound Designers: Kit Reilly, Mike Hodgson
Costume Designer: Tūī Hofmann
Lighting and AV Designers: Nocturnal, Sam Folkhard-Hodgson
Producer: Zoë Nicholson
Photography: Ken Buist
LELA JACOBS - NZFW
2019
Dance Plant worked in collaboration with NZ fashion designer Lela Jacobs for the release of her latest collection for New Zealand Fashion Week 2019.
Choreographic Direction: Bella Wilson
Performance & Choreographic Collaboration: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Jaz Yahel, Tūī Hofmann
Costume: Lela Jacobs
Hair Design: Colleen
A collaboration between Dance Plant Collective & Lela Jacobs
ENTWINED
2019
Dance Plant collaborated with Nocturnal to produce a work for Bright Nights festival in Auckland 2019. The work titled 'Entwined' was commissioned by Maritime Museum.
Choreographic Direction: Brittany Kohler, Natasha Kohler & Tūī Hofmann
Performers: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Jaz Yahel,
Natasha Kohler & Tūī Hofmann
Sound Designer: Flo Wilson
Costume Designer: RUBY
Lighting & AV Designers: Nocturnal
Photography: Nocturnal
LITE MOVES
2019
Dance Plant presented 'Lite Moves' in collaboration with Nocturnal and Ed Zuccolo, a dance and light show for LUMA Festival in Queenstown.
Chorographic Direction: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Natasha Kohler & Tūī Hofmann
Performers: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Jaz Yahel, Natasha Kohler, Tūī Hofmann
Sound Designer: Ed Zuccolo
Lighting & AV Designer: Nocturnal
Producer: Zoë Nicholson
Photography: Nocturnal
EXIST AS A RAINFOREST
2019
Dance Plant Collective performed their improvisation practice ‘Exist as Rainforest’ and held an improvisation workshop at the Experimental Dance Week Aotearoa, curated by NZ/Berlin-based performance artist Alexa Wilson.
Choreographic/Practice Direction: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Jaz Yahel, Rose Tapsell & Tūī Hofmann
Performance: Bella Wilson, Brittany Kohler, Jaz Yahel, Rose Tapsell & Tūī Hofmann
SITE SPECIFC WORKS
Dance Plant Collective perform improvised and choreographed short performances at gigs and events specializing in site specific work. These performances are a great way of activating spaces and engaging communities with experimental dance.
Contact us if you would like to collaborate with us on future events.
''We would LOVE to have you involved, you brought such a good vibe last year''
"We had such great feedback and loved the performance so much that now we think we need another performative work for our [next event]''
''I've loved working with you guys and really loved what you put together for this event, hopefully more projects in the future"
Previous Events:
-NZFW
- Karangahape Road's First Thursday Events
- 'No Manifesto' at Auckland Art Gallery (a collaboration with Zahra Killeen-Chance)
-'Orbital' by Comet Space Project
--Monster Valley's 'The Experiment'
-Roaming improvisations for NZDW
-'Boycrush' opening performance
-Splore Festival
-Shipwrecked Festival
-EarthBeat Festival