History
Mark Lonergan formed Parallel Exit in 1997 to create original and innovative works of physical theatre. The company’s first production, WHITE/NOISE/JUMP introduced an aesthetic that has continued throughout the past ten years: highly energized, razor-sharp choreography combined with simple and striking visual storytelling. WHITE/NOISE/JUMP launched Parallel Exit in New York City, where it received "Best in The Fringe Festival - Excellence in Theatre" in the inaugural New York City Fringe Festival.
Parallel Exit’s work has explored a wide range of physical forms, from dance (1+1, 1998 and POWERHOUSE, 2005), to vaudeville (AUTOMATIC VAUDEVILLE, 1999 and CUT TO THE CHASE, 2008), to live-action silent film (VELOCITY, 1999; PENNY’S WORTH, 2001 and THIS WAY THAT WAY, 2005), to tap (TIME STEP, 2008). Our work has been presented in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia, and has received a 2008 Drama Desk nomination for Unique Theatrical Experience and a 2002 “Spirit of the Fringe” award from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Parallel Exit is devoted to a process of pure collaboration from the ground up. We create through improvisation, and over long periods this material is shaped, edited and refined into a full production. In conjunction with this approach, we allow each production to be created over what we believe is the necessary length of time. Workshopping material, bringing in audiences for feedback, alternating between rehearsal and periods of reflection – our productions can take months or years to reach performance level.
