Strictly dancing for 36 hours marks 40th anniversary celebrations

This non stop dance event is based on the early American model from the depression era of the 1930s were it became popular form of entertainment during those hard economic times. The Drama Department is inviting contestants and the audience to dance in the face of the current looming economic crisis in the MARATHON ’08 contest in which 22 student and alumni couples will dance throughout the entire 36 hour period except for short rest breaks. The event is part athletic contest, endurance feat, rehearsed performance, dance, part fund-raiser for the Postgraduate Scholarship fund and 40th anniversary party.

Dance marathons were one of the first “reality” performances of the modern era and spectators were present 24 hours a day, paying a small fee that allowed them entry for as long as they liked. During the depression this allowed people to congregate for hours in a warm space, students and staff may well want to save on their energy bills by getting involved either as dancers or willing audience members on the first weekend in December.

Live music as well as a DJ will be onsite to keep the contestants dancing in to the varied styles which include jitterbug, tango, waltz and bangra. Dance partners will eat standing up and get regular updates on the current financial situation and be entertained by a number of short plays held throughout the non stop event.

Philip Zarrilli, Professor of Performance Practice said, ‘Dance couples will also be involved in the ‘dancing as truth serum’ were they will be interviewed on camera and answer questions about ‘life’ and ‘love’ ‘on the edge’ As, MARATHON ’08 is about exploring this “edge” that is a place of precariousness from which we all might “fall”.’

The special performance is open to University of Exeter students, staff and alumni and will be invited to participate at specific moments throughout the 36 hours, sometimes for free dancing on the floor, sometimes as judges for contests.  They can ‘vote’ by donating money for the scholarship fund, and may make a donation which is a special request performance made of a specific dance contest to sing a song or dance something like the Charleston. Contestants will dance within a large oval track at the centre of which will be several platform stages and seating for the audience.

MARATHON ’08 is structured, scripted, and directed by Professor Phillip Zarrilli and will start on Saturday 6th December through to Sunday 7th at Roborough Studios on the Streatham Campus where the Drama Department’s 40th anniversary celebrations will be an endurance test on a great scale.

Special 36 hour tickets are available enabling audience members to come and go throughout the event. The 36 hour tickets will have a recommended donation of £12 for students and £36 for non students these are in adaptation to the standard 6 hour tickets.

To reserve a ticket go to www.exeter.ac.uk/drama/events/ or for further information contact Philip Zarrilli ext 4580 or p.zarrilli@exeter.ac.uk