Interview: Vincent Pausanias, choreographer and creator of international hit Tap Factory
Tap Factory is an international hit show featuring urban tap dance, percussion, comedy and acrobatics
Tap Factory was created by choreographer and Artistic Director Vincent Pausanias, who wanted to create a show that would showcase the magic of rhythm at its highest possible technical level. Performed by some of the world’s best tap dancers and international musicians, the end result is a highly visual, exciting show full of high-energy dance, explosive percussion and unbelievable acrobatics, all wrapped up in a fun-filled evening.
Do you have a favourite routine or scene in Tap Factory and why?
It’s difficult to choose a scene as there are so many different kind of moments in the show. What is great is the contrast between scenes: to go from the strong energy of the urban percussion to the poetry and softness of an African flute or a double bass made with a broom and a rope, or to jump from a fast and strong tap routine to an amazing aerial acrobatic performance. Without forgetting of course the comedy scenes!
How would you sum up Tap Factory without giving too much away?
A new worker arrives in a factory for his first day of work and meets the other workers. We then see the evolution of the relationships between all the characters during all the show, always shown with comedy and a little bit of self mockery.
Tell us a little bit about the characters we’ll see in the show
There are different kind of characters: the newby, a young amazing tap dancer-acrobat; the circus performer mechanic; the tap workers; the foreman master of rhythm; and of course the sweeper, the only one who actually talks but in a native African language that no-one on stage or in the audience understands which brings a lot of comedy and fun.
What was your inspiration to create Tap Factory?
My first inspiration is Charlie Chaplin and especially The Modern Times. What could be a better place than a factory to mix together all these different artistic disciplines: music, tap dance, hip hop, circus, acrobatics and comedy? All the artists are really strong in their own specialities but are also multi-talented. This is an amazing and international cast of performers.
What are you most looking forward to about the tour?
My first goal with that show is to see everyone coming out of the theatre with a huge smile on their faces and the rhythm pulsing in their bodies. Tap Factory has been created to be pure entertainment - rhythm and comedy are universal languages. We have been touring all over the world for 4 years now and the audiences - from 4 to 90 years old - have always reacted brilliantly. We are really looking forward to coming back to UK where we always have so much fun performing and such a great interaction with the audiences.
What can audiences expect to take away with them from the show?
I would say, a huge amount of positive energy! And having had a great night out.