Description

“In every breath, every heartbeat, in every challenge, there exists the story of survival.”

Stripping away the particularities of different survival settings, “Survivor” dives deep into the raw emotions and themes that are ubiquitous across survival scenarios. The essence of the show is not about where survival takes place, but how it feels and what it means. Threading melodic themes from Destiny’s Child’s iconic hit, “Survivor,” throughout the show, it’s about the resilience of the human spirit.

Note: When we did this show, we kept the survival scenario non specific for a more artistic interpretation, but this show would also work well adapted to any specific survival scene you might want to explore. There is also an Open Class version of this show.

Act 1: The Calamity
Simple pole props are introduced, resembling the remnants of a disaster scene. Whether they mimic a downed plane’s twisted metal, the jagged outlines of a dangerous jungle, or the shattered remnants of an urban apocalypse, they symbolically set the stage. The performers navigate this treacherous environment, reflecting the initial shock, confusion, and chaos that ensues post-disaster. The music swells with an anxious energy, capturing the unpredictable nature of the scene. Destiny’s Child’s iconic track “Survivor” underscores the performers’ resilience and determination as they navigate the daunting challenges before them.

Act 2: The Shelter
As the narrative progresses, the pole props are reconfigured to symbolize refuge and fortification. The performers now use them as shelter, representing their adaptability and resourcefulness. They come together, building makeshift havens, showcasing the beauty of community and the strength in unity. The musical theme here shifts to a mix of melancholy and hope, a tribute to the undying human spirit that seeks safety even in the face of adversity.

Act 3: The Battle
The climax of the show sees the poles transformed once again, this time into weapons. Here, the performers take on a more aggressive stance, ready to face any challenge head-on. It’s a testament to the lengths we go to, driven by our innate will to survive. The music becomes intense and fierce, resonating with the themes of perseverance and triumph.

Outro: The Choice
In a touching, thought-provoking conclusion, the performance opens the floor to interpretation. The poles are laid down, and performers face choices – some may ‘fall,’ while others find the strength to keep going. The audience is left to ponder: who survives? And more importantly, what does it truly mean to be a “Survivor”?

In this beautifully abstract representation of survival, we explored the visceral emotions and powerful themes tied to grit, determination, perseverance, pain, and ultimate triumph. The universal message? Survival is not just about the physical; it’s about the heart, the soul, and the indomitable will that resides within us all.

Survivor was commissioned by Modulation Z in 2023 and won the PIA Gold Medal at WGI World Championships.

Note: This show includes an arrangement of “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child. Additional licensing and associated fees will apply, but we’ll handle acquiring the licensing for you. Contact us with any questions.