This piece speaks to the political and societal boundaries we face in our world today, questions what a different version of Australia may look and feel like and tears down barriers in the end
Presented by: Australian Dance Theatre
Reviewed: 13 March, 2024
Australian Dance Theatre is known for creating pieces that stir up emotional response and ignite thoughts. Now in their 59th year, the contemporary dance company is the longest running of its kind in Australia, and their momentum seems to be only gaining speed. Marrow is no exception to the style of the company, and in fact may build and extend on what they are already known for.
Marrow speaks to the core and comes from the soul. From the moment the pulsating of the music thrums through your body you can’t help but engage with the imagery that is being created in front of you. It is moving art, and it reflects how important the collaboration through the ideas and voices of so many creatives have been in producing this show.
Daniel Riley’s vision and choreography is beautifully executed. His works ebbs and flows almost like blood running through one’s veins, sometimes in beautiful synchronicity and sometimes in small pockets of individual movement which come together and separate in elegant ways.
The use of handheld smoke machines is genius. It allows the cast to control the way the smoke dances and rises across the stage, almost as if another dancer becomes present. It is especially beautiful when coupled with the lighting, in the way it sits and moves through the spaces above and around the dancers.
Matthew Adey’s lighting enhances the imagery developing on stage. From the sharp circular dots, to the softened yellow hues, through the blue wash and finally the back lit red blocks, all the lighting only improves what is already presented on stage.
The ensemble of 6 dancers, Sebastian Geilings, Brianna Kell, Zachary Lopez, Karra Nam, Patrick O’Luanaigh and Zoe Wozniak, flow together in harmony then break away in individual moments. They work together to create beautiful lines and images on stage in what can seem to be a difficult task as the music is repetitive and beat driven. They effortlessly change from fast pace to slow and work beautifully together on stage.
This piece speaks to the political and societal boundaries we face in our world today, questions what a different version of Australia may look and feel like and tears down barriers in the end. I highly recommend seeing this performance.
Reviewed by Ashleigh Rathjen
Photo credit: Morgan Sette
Venue: The Odeon Theatre, Norwood
Season: Until 17 March, 2024
Duration: 60 mins
Tickets: $29 – $45
Bookings: https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/events/marrow/
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