For 20 years Aviva Shib’a has been looking for the perfect stage to perform her “physical theatre” show Hot Bod 65.
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Finally she found the perfect space – a carpeted, 34 degree room at Wollongong Yoga Studio which would complement the movement of show comfortably.
Hot Bod 65 features as part of the Anywhere Theatre Festival, where the audience is encouraged to let their inhibitions go and embrace the body they’re in.
“Let your breath and voice dictate your movement; let your body do whatever it wants to do,” the host tells her Saturday audience in a deep, lulling voice.
“Build on that feeling of love for what you have for your own body, it’s a wonderful thing. And remember our voices are part of our body and they like to be aired.”
Shib’a is a performer who wears many hats from emceeing at the Illawarra Folk Festival, to dance teacher and vocal coach.
Prior to the show, she told the Mercury she would focus on breathing and vocalising as she believed withholding the voice caused problems – physically and mentally.
Saturday’s performance was intimate with Shib’a set up on red yoga mats in the centre of the room, while her patrons spread out around her.
She encouraged them to move freely in a way that felt comfortable and release sounds that felt natural whether it be laughing, mimicking a kookaburra or humming like the chimes of a grandfather clock.
“I would like [the audience] to leave with the idea that they can think of their own bodies as hot, regardless of what people might think,” Shib’a told the Mercury.
Shib’a has one more performance, Sunday August 20, 1pm at Wollongong Yoga Centre on Kenny Street.
From now until August 27 the city and surrounds will be transformed with dozens of different shows across an array of venues from the Arts Precinct to cafe’s to street performances and even someone’s backyard.
The shows range from family friendly daytime events, comedy acts, burlesque, cabaret and a magic show.
For ticket information and what’s, visit: www.anywheretheatre.com