A new program from two of Australia’s leading choreographers, Identity is showing at the Sydney Opera House from 2 – 20 May 2023.
THE HUM – Daniel Riley
Evoking a search for cultural perpetuity, THE HUM is a new dance-theatre work created by Daniel Riley, Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre. Centred upon the tangible yet invisible creative connection between performers, orchestra and audience, this work will unite artists of Australian Dance Theatre and The Australian Ballet in a never-before-seen collaboration.
Working together to realise a new ceremonial space of sharing and communality spanning rehearsal studio and stage, this work forges new relationships and develops a shared physicality, exploding with future-focussed visions.
The work is enriched by a specially commissioned score for a full orchestra by celebrated composer Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, the first female First Nations composer to be commissioned by The Australian Ballet.
Taungurung fashion designer and educator Annette Sax will design bespoke contemporary costumes inspired by the textures and elements of the land. Adelaide-based multidisciplinary artist Matthew Adey will also develop a set and lighting design for this world-premiere collaboration.
THE HUM celebrates a resonance between our musicians, our dancers and the swell of our land, celebrating the idea of the individual artist as part of a broader creative ecosystem of shared knowledge, emotion and energy.
Paragon – Alice Topp
Paragon is a diamond anniversary gift created by Resident Choreographer Alice Topp to commemorate The Australian Ballet’s rich history of artistic vibrancy, thirst for creativity, unique homegrown accent and the artists that have shaped ballet in Australia.
This new work welcomes some of our company’s most iconic former dancers back to the stage to dance alongside current company dancers, in an emotional tribute that honours the company’s 60-year history.
Returning to the stage for this very special performance will be renowned dancers from across 60 years of The Australian Ballet history: Madeleine Eastoe, Leanne Stojmenov, Sarah Peace, David McAllister, Paul Knobloch, Jessica Thompson, Simon Dow, Lucinda Dunn, Steven Heathcote, Fiona Tonkin, Julie da Costa (Melbourne only) and Rachel Rawlins (Sydney only).
Paragon is centred around the identity of The Australian Ballet and all those that have built the company, paving the way for future generations. The work takes inspiration from real-life experiences and the pursuit of perfection through the artform of ballet.
In realising this work, Topp will join forces with long-time collaborator Lighting Designer Jon Buswell, along with Australian composer Christopher Gordon and Costume Designer Aleisa Jelbart.
Paragon is a contemporary work that challenges and moves audiences in a journey embodying the heart and soul of The Australian Ballet.
- When: 2 – 20 May 2023
- Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House / Tubowgule
- Purchase tickets for Identity here.