Lucie in the Sky | Australasian Dance Collective (ADC)
Lucie in the Sky is far more than a dance performance. It is an endearing and provocative work of art compelling us to consider deep-diving into the world of cybernetics. Evaluating the potentially detrimental repercussions of AI’s revolutionary progress on some businesses, it begs the following question: What does it mean to see, situate, and elevate humanity at the centre, if not the forefront, of technology?
Red | Dancenorth
The final image of the show was perhaps the most confronting. It lingered and encouraged me to sit with the feeling of it. It's a final statement of the show that was clearly meant to be seen in person, not read online. Being presented with a challenge like that was invigorating and I hope I get to see more work that engages the audience in that way.
The People's Dance Party 7 | Bring a Plate Inclusive Dance Company
The People’s Dance Party was pot-luck banquet for lovers of movement, where you get to sample and play as much as you like. While each course was a little light for my tastes, it was ultimately a satisfying night that filled my dance cup. With so much damn talent in our fair city, it’s sure to return too, so book your spot on the dance floor when Bring a Plate returns with the next round.
Drenched | Caetlyn Watson
Brisbane was indeed privy to an extraordinary dance performance brought to the stage by a phenomenal dancer/choreographer/director. Such is the magic of performance art that it felt as if this particular choreographer had unwittingly reached inside each dancer, ripped out their ‘soul’, placed it on stage and said “I give you permission to bare yourself to the audience.’’
Hold Me Closer Tony Danza | The Farm
Hold Me Closer Tony Danza took me by surprise. I expected a show that was much more focused on pop culture references and punchlines. These aspects were undoubtedly present, but the show was more impactful and thoughtful overall. The common ground of pop culture and music was used to bring the audience together and prime us for more complex topics. While watching, I felt simultaneously unsure of what was coming next and excited to see where the performers would take us. This show will be stuck in my head for a long time, alongside the slightly altered chorus of Elton John's Tiny Dancer.
Global Fusion- India - 'Into the Light' | Thomas Dixon Centre & BEMAC
“I pay homage to the light,” says Menaka, gently reinforcing the intention of the performance to honour Diwali, the Festival of Light through an amalgamation of select Indian elements and Western influences. The mellifluous sounds of the Bansuri (bamboo flute) played dexterously by Darshil Shah juxtaposed against the lean silhouettes of professional Ballet dancers, Sarah Thompson and Jayden Grogan signal to us that more forces of global fusion are waiting to be unleashed. From the wings onto the stage, and into the light.
Not for ... Exposure | Mad Dance House
I’m just beginning to understand the immense dance talent that’s on offer in Meanjin and I think there are many lovers of live performance like me who are finally starting to wake up to the calibre of the street performers based in our town.
Wayfinder | DanceNorth
Under the choreographic guidance of Amber Haines and Kyle Page, the versatility and improvisation of the dancers never failed to impress. Moreover the captivating solo performance by Marlo Benjamin had me mesmerised with her non-stop energetic movements that were infused with complicated floor and foot work.
Considerable Sexual Licence | Joel Bray
I found myself looking around the room and wondered how many people had been drawn to the show from its name and hero images. If you hadn’t seen Joel Bray’s work before, you could have fooled yourself into thinking that you were able to see a titillating dance romp. Oh how wrong those punters would have been.
The House | The House of Alexander
The House to me spoke to Pasifika and Asian communities and the need for the creation of contemporary rituals, spaces and practice. Culture is a living thing. We need to evolve with the time and the needs of our people. In The House their cultural pride is on their sleeves and smiles, even from members who have been ousted by their families, still respectful of their roots. Work like this gives permission for all diaspora queer folk to know and believe that culture, gender and sexuality need not be mutually exclusive and can exist together in harmony, even in excellence.
Guttered | Restless Theatre
The company’s writings on the work mention “denial of the dignity of risk” as one of the central themes explored, a phrase which I hadn’t encountered before, but found so eloquently encapsulated through the metaphor of gutter guards and ramps. As a person without a disability, I felt myself reflecting on this idea of “well-intentioned help”, and the ways in which internalised ableism informs my everyday actions.
Manifesto | Stephanie Lake Company
Manifesto is a feast for many of the senses; a compelling show that offers ‘time away from time.’ Nine drumkits, nine chairs, nine talented drummers, nine dancers, three costume changes, and thirteen creatives combine to create one special 60 minute experience.
Angel-Monster | Phluxus2 Dance Collective
As a trained dancer I went into this show expecting a high level of maturity through the choreography and storytelling techniques and I was blown away by the finished product. It is a clever way to have this conversation about such serious subject matter. I was moved to tears (Rare! I’m not usually one to cry); and I would go and see it again, next time sitting in a different part of the theatre to get an experience from another vantage point.
Aftermath | ADC
The score is complex, pushing us to travel realms and the most human of sounds, the rhythm of our heart beating and directing the audience towards the revelation of hope that is only short lived when nothing is what it should be in this world.
THREE 2.0 | Australasian Dance Collective
The dance pieces intrigued me and left me thinking about the meaning and message behind them. Each piece was abstract and unique, and brought out their own essence, mood and atmosphere. The choreography, utilising various techniques, with both soft and sharp movements, efficiently expressed human being’s emotional boundaries, the surrounding political physical space, our individuality, as well as our relationship with other people.
Between Olas | NUDO
It was evident how dedicated the performers are at their craft. Each performer excelled in what they do, both bringing their own cultures to the stage, and performing in sync with each other, culminating in the dance routines coming off as flawless.
This Time It’s Personal | Sam Evans
Evans came out strong and committed to character, bringing robots, dolls, and puppets to life amidst hectic high energy tricks in a very small space. It was a lot of fun. He is a strong comedic performer and commanded the audience early on with dance techniques you really need to see to believe.
In a show of his versatility, Evans also took us to his darkness and his quiet peace too, all the while holding space, manipulating it with his body… sometimes seemingly defying the laws of physics.
Rhythmology | Ty Goddard
I had the fortune of interviewing Ty beforehand and as often the case when creatives get together, rainbows appear. That time around I was left flabbergasted at the impact, pace and quality of this emerging production. Second time around I left feeling stunned at the slickness of choreography, the blending of multidisciplinary performance, timing, and POC excellence once again sheening in the spotlight
Betwixt | Pink Matter Culture
Every aspect of this work is deeply purposeful. The sequence of the stories speaks to the relationship between the elements. We see the water dance with the air, who in turn fuels the fire, who in turn cleanses the earth, before spirit comes and weaves them all together. Each story is so raw and specific to the performer it belongs to but is told in universal ways.
Distinct | Annikki Chand
I don’t open with ‘this show was created in four days’ as a way of lowering your expectations. In fact, quite the contrary; the fact that Annikki was able to create a work covering hefty themes of identity, culture and gender in such an entertaining way was nothing short of amazing.