Ashley and Levent explore stories around loss, loneliness, social anxiety and passive aggression. In The Unkown these stories are expressed through dance and clowning, using hip hop theatre practice and culture.
Ashley has a strong interest in the creation of engaging, meaningful hip hop theatre pieces with psychological roots, which cause the audience to consider their own thoughts and feelings on the ideas being presented. In her works, she explores the dark or difficult elements of the human psyche, including sociopathy, social anxiety, OCD, insomnia, and effects of modern technology on young people, producing thought-provoking and gripping pieces. She founded company Jackin the Box in 2010 and youth company MiniJackers in 2014 (see Youth Crews page for more details). Both Ashley and her youth companies regularly perform in theatres, festivals and showcases.
THEATRE
THE UNKNOWN
ASHLEY JACK & LEVENT NYEMBO
Ashley and Levent explore stories around loss, loneliness, social anxiety and passive aggression. In The Unkown these stories are expressed through dance and clowning, using hip hop theatre practice and culture.
Performed at:
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The Unknown - R2M + guests, Live Borders, Galashiels, 2017
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Breakin' Rules, Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, 2017
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Northern Platforms, Dance City, Newcastle, 2016
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NordDance, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, 2015
"Ashley Jack’s The Unknown, with Levent Nyembo as her male counterpoint in exploring a sense of self, was further proof that Scotland’s urban dance scene is using hip hop moves with fresh, imaginative flair."
- The Herald Scoland
FREQUENCY
JACKIN THE BOX YOUTH COMPANY
Created and choreographed by Artistic Director Ashley Jack and performed by Jackin the Box Youth Company. A dark, atmospheric piece exploring the impact of modern technology on the lives and well-being of young people. Specifically, the effects of the overuse of smartphones and of high-frequency deterrent noises such as the Mosquito. Constant smartphone and social media use has implications for disengagement from the real world, reliance on external approval, and resultant anxiety. High-frequency noises, audible only to younger people, have been used in recent years, controversially, as a method of deterring youths from socialising outside shops, or even their own homes. 'Frequency' examines the mounting pressures young people are subjected to by technology in their daily lives.
Performed at:
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Breakin' Convention, Edinburgh FestivalTheatre, 2017
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Breakin' Rules, Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, 2017
"Ashley Jack's ... Youth Company has developed a fizzing, flickering piece about the overuse of technology, that buzzes with an unnerving spark."
- The List
DREAMCATCHER
MINI JACKERS YOUTH COMPANY
What manifests in your dreams at night, and are you in control...?
Performed at:
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Breakin Rules 2019, Brunton Theatre, Edinburgh
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House of Jack Christmas Show, Church Hill Theatre, 2019
STYLE IT OUT
MINI JACKERS YOUTH COMPANY
A fun, upbeat piece embracing individuality!
Performed at:
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Scottish Parliament 20th Anniversary Celebration, 2019
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Meadows Festival, Edinburgh, 2019
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Open Streets Edinburgh, 2019
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House of Jack Christmas Show, The Studio Theatre, 2018
MACHINE
MINIJACKERS YOUTH COMPANY
Focussing, searching, cracking the code. Everybody hears but nobody understands. Waiting for the breakthrough, anticipating victory – when babble becomes meaning, the world is in their hands.
Performed at:
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Edinburgh Fringe Festival, DanceBase, 2018
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The Great Big Dance Show, Dundee Rep Theatre, 2018
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House of Jack Christmas Show, The Studio Theatre, 2018
Image credit: Amy Sinead photography
"Perhaps most impressive of all, and a particular highlight of the whole performance, was the impressive discipline and concentration of this group. They not only moved as one when they needed to, they seemed to be breathing in unison also."
- Sardines Magazine
CLOWNING AROUND
JACKIN THE BOX YOUTH COMPANY
Exploring the challenges of becoming young adults, including peer pressure and social judgement.
Performed at:
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Breakin' Rules, Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, 2018
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House of Jack Christmas Show, The Studio Theatre, 2018
NOW YOU SEE ME
ASHLEY JACK
A solo performance by Ashley Jack, with live vocals by MC Deva One. Now You See Me explores the masks we wear and the barriers we experience in modern life.
Performed at:
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Jam'n'Juice at Just Jam, Dance City, Newcastle, solo, 2015
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Breakin' Convention, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, solo, 2014
PIECES OF MIND
JACKIN THE BOX COMPANY
Pieces of Mind makes visceral use of hip hop and theatre to convey some of the complexities of sociopathy and the ways the condition can manifest.
Performed at:
- Breakin' Rules, Dundee Rep Theatre, 2012
"[Pieces of Mind] dives into the hidden thoughts of our minds. The strong movements and the intensity brought by the all-female dance group are convincingly menacing."
- Three Weeks Edinburgh
iDANCE
MINIJACKERS YOUTH COMPANY
Let us take you back! iDance explores the way music transports us instantly to another place in time. From the Soul Train to 80’s synth, new genres in music influenced each of the hip hop dance styles we know today. Music defines us, moves us, and connects us… in an increasingly confusing age of technology!
Performed at:
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Heads Up, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Dance Base, 2015
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Mela Festival, Leith, Edinburgh, 2015
"Hip-hop performed with heart and soul, including a nice little critique of selfies and texting. They are all terrific; a teenage group choreographed by Ashley Jack, performing with great drama and flair."
- The Skinny
(Edinburgh Fringe Festival performance)
"But the biggest smile on this reviewer’s face came from Edinburgh choreographer Ashley Jack and her ... streetdance crew, Mini Jackers. Drawn from an invitation only dance class, the group is populated by young teenagers pumped full of a desire to entertain. Great music, strong choreography – a true delight."
- The Scotsman
(Mela Festival performance)