FAÇADE | Q&A with Chrissie Parrott AO
23 May 2023
Why is the work called Façade?
The Baroque styling of Façade outrageous wigs and oversized crinolines contributes to questions about colonial histories, the prevalence of vanity in todays’ visual culture and the place of the body in society, fake news, and celebrity. The ‘façade’ the outward veneer, a conscious and highly stylised type of behaviour an individual adopts to fit in within perceived societal norms. Historically the mask created a distance of self-protection to hide the real you, often the soft core hidden for fear of seeming too vulnerable. Masking is interconnected with maintaining performative behaviour within social structures and cultures. It begs me to see the humour in it all!
“The frail facade of petit bourgeois respectability”
Reflecting on your career, what has excited you most about the process of creating art?
During my years of working as a professional dance artist I have found myself in countless studios with many outstanding creative individuals and have witnessed myriad variations of coaxing out a new work whether it was a dance work, a theatre work, writing, or an art work. I love multilayering... starting with a broad stroke then continually renovating and invigorating the creation, finding endless possibilities. A rehearsal space where a kinetic storm could erupt at any moment, a world of imaginary landscapes, a place to pull back the red velvet curtain and expose what has been waiting to be discovered. The privilege of setting off on a new voyage with my collaborating artists searching for the work - the full journey- the entire path…no shortcuts.
'Façade' embraces a multiplicity of art forms in addition to dance. What do you love about working with these different forms of artistic expression?
My dance life has incredibly varied from tap, song and dance, the grandeur and pomp of ballet world and the richness and creative freedom of contemporary dance vocabulary. I lived in the UK until the age of 12 and have very vivid memories of my summer holidays in the colourful carnivalesque seaside town of Blackpool. I was introduced to vaudeville, somewhat risqué adult cabaret, and drag and variety shows at a very early age. Spending my days watching a plethora of talent on the infamous pier created these memories that have become embodied knowledge that is indelibly and deeply etched into my being. Many of the ballrooms where I performed were opulent with highly decorative proscenium arches and red velvet curtains and chandeliers. My father was an hilarious standup comedian who taught me about comedy timing and to encourage people to see the lighter side of life. Façade is dedicated to this marvellous man and those wonderful memories.