"Around the World in 80 Days" – A Bold Reimagining of a Classic Adventure

Southpaw Dance Company proudly presents "Around the World in 80 Days", a sharp-witted, satirical reimagining of Jules Verne's timeless tale. This work-in-progress blends physical theatre, dynamic choreography, and cutting-edge technology to create a visually stunning, thought-provoking, and highly entertaining exploration of cultural misunderstandings, privilege, and personal growth.

Phileas Fogg, a Victorian gentleman armed with wealth, wit, and misguided altruism, embarks on a globe-trotting journey fueled by an ambitious wager. As he races through vibrant locations—from the bustling streets of Paris to the markets of Mumbai—Fogg’s well-intentioned but often misjudged attempts to "help" expose the absurdities of entitlement and the enduring challenges of a divided world. Alongside his ever-skeptical valet, Passepartout, Fogg's journey becomes one of self-awareness and transformation, navigating humor, heart, and the complexity of global interconnectedness.

Innovative Technology Meets Theatre

This ambitious production uses projection mapping, animation, and motion capture to transform the stage into an ever-shifting landscape of vivid, immersive worlds. Using high-quality projections, detailed animations, and real-time motion capture, the production allows performers to interact seamlessly with dynamic visuals, blurring the line between physical performance and digital storytelling.

Projection Mapping: Environments will be projected directly onto the stage and set pieces, transporting audiences to Paris, Venice, Mumbai, and beyond. The precise, layered visuals will adapt to each scene, creating a fully immersive storytelling experience.

Animation: Stunning animated sequences bring Jules Verne’s world to life, from bustling marketplaces to distant landscapes. The animations not only set the tone for each destination but also add satirical commentary to Fogg’s journey, evolving alongside the narrative.

Motion Capture: Real-time motion capture technology allows performers’ movements to directly influence the digital environments, creating a unique interplay between dance and technology. This cutting-edge technique heightens the physical storytelling and seamlessly integrates live performance with the projected visuals.

This innovative fusion of projection mapping, animation, and motion capture amplifies the humor, spectacle, and poignancy of "Around the World in 80 Days," making it a truly groundbreaking theatrical experience.

Plans for Touring

Currently in development, "Around the World in 80 Days" is being carefully designed to tour nationally and internationally. Southpaw Dance Company aims to bring this production to audiences far and wide, combining cutting-edge technology with our signature storytelling to create a work that resonates deeply and inspires curiosity.

Through partnerships with theatres, venues, and cultural organizations, this production will be adaptable for a range of spaces, ensuring accessibility and scalability. We also plan to engage local communities through workshops, educational resources, and post-show discussions, sparking conversations about global citizenship, cultural understanding, and the complexities of progress.

Stay tuned as we continue to develop this exciting project! Join us as we reimagine Phileas Fogg’s journey for the modern stage, blending timeless storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and a satirical lens to create an unforgettable experience.