“A step on from anything you have seen”: Motionhouse’s Daniel Massarella on Hidden ahead of its Warwick Arts Centre premiere

When speaking to Daniel Massarella, the dancer turned Assistant Director of Leamington Spa-based dance and circus company Motionhouse, the cast and crew were arriving at their premiere location: the renowned Warwick Arts Centre. After 10 years of dedication to Motionhouse, Massarella has taken a step back from performance, taking a more creative role in the conception of their newest show, Hidden, which is set to premiere this February. After 37 years in the industry, Hidden presents Motionhouse in its prime, charging into the Arts Centre in their most provocative form yet. With the chaotic environment of a typical theatrical ‘get-in’, Massarella offered an insight into the daring world of Motionhouse and what audiences can expect to see from them.

With dance being his career, Massarella is a firm believer in the power of performance and its interpretative nature

“Everybody has their vice” or their “escapism”, states Massarella regarding his veteran status within the Motionhouse dance world. Starting dance at the age of 14 at his local dance company, Massarella worked his way to the top, starring in various productions before settling at Motionhouse in 2013. With dance being his career, Massarella is a firm believer in the power of performance and its interpretative nature. Motionhouse has made an utmost effort to keep their shows “exciting” and “engaging”. “Motionhouse is great at reaching a wider audience”, admits Massarella, with the combination of dance, circus and technology enhancing the performance to a spectacle applicable to all.

Motionhouse has kept its ethos of connecting to broader world issues, especially the nature of interpretation that comes with artistic performance. “It’s never just contemporary dance”, discusses Massarella, who, as Assistant Director, has pioneered Motionhouse to continue their thought-provoking tone within Hidden. In collaboration with Artistic Director Kevin Finnan MBE, the message of Hidden explores “social economics,” delving into the human impact on the planet through the “emotive dialogue” interwoven into the movement. “Everyone can agree there is a selfish way of the world”, discusses Massarella, referencing the show’s ability to present the fractured and divided nature of the world we live in today. Where there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, Motionhouse aims to use jaw-dropping choreography and blended artforms to show that “everyone builds together” in a time of crisis. The company presents an inspiring answer for tackling the challenges facing our world today.

Being a Leamington Spa based company, with their studio based in the area, Motionhouse’s return and premiere at the Warwick Arts Centre feels particularly special to Massarella

Massarella is clearly relishing the exciting journey from performer to Artistic Director, and he couldn’t be more excited about his role in Hidden. Whilst he was always a “massive Motionhouse fan”, enjoying the immersion into acrobatics and tricks, the world of directing has been a “bigger all round thought process”. “It has been really enjoyable”, admits Massarella, taking charge of both the choreography and music, as well as the technicalities of Motionhouse’s set design. The mesmerising world of Motionhouse comes to life through its elaborate sets and sophisticated mapping techniques. Massarella states that there are 20 different versions of the space, which can be reorganised and moved like a jigsaw puzzle. The “freedom to change the environment” gives the dance-circus aspect its vibrant touch, allowing for a truly “visceral impact”, remarks Massarella.

Being a Leamington Spa based company, with their studio based in the area, Motionhouse’s return and premiere at the Warwick Arts Centre feels particularly special to Massarella. Seen as a “home away from home”, the locality of the Arts Centre feels like the perfect opportunity for local followers to indulge in Motionhouse’s latest works. Motionhouse has always found an affinity with the University of Warwick, with Massarella reminiscing upon “outdoor shows in the Piazza”, as well as dance workshops offered to students. It is clear that Massarella is excited to welcome long-time Motionhouse fans from the local area to experience Hidden in all its West Midlands glory.

Audiences should prepare to see Motionhouse like never before in Hidden, a showcase seeing the company at its most physically driven and emotive

Audiences should prepare to see Motionhouse like never before in Hidden, a showcase seeing the company at its most physically driven and emotive. “If you know Motionhouse, this is a step on from anything you have seen”, regards Massarella. From original soundscapes to abstract sets, to their authentic “circus spectacle”, Hidden will truly be a night to remember for Motionhouse fans new and old.

Motionhouse’s Hidden premieres from Thursday 6 February to Sunday 9 February at the Warwick Arts Centre theatre.