Restless Dance Theatre, South Australia’s leading dance company working with artists with and without disability will be premiering their new work Exposed at the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Space Theatre from 6 – 9 April.
Exposed, directed by Michelle Ryan is a new work exploring vulnerability, uncertainty and risk through movement, design and music. Be taken on a journey where the breath is a metaphor for feeling threatened or safe, agitated or calm, and the sonic possibilities of breath are entwined into the mesmerising score.
“The idea came from an experience I had as a person living with disability where I was made to feel very vulnerable in the public space,” said Director Michelle Ryan.
“I felt overwhelmed with fear and distress at the lack of empathy shown. I initially revealed my vulnerability but quickly realised the situation required me to show strength.”
Described as “contemporary dance with a restless twist”, Exposed will be a string of vignettes, held together by an emotional original score.
“Guests should expect to see fabulous artists on stage not defined by a label or their disability. We’ve really built the skill levels of the dancers – so expect excellence and honesty. No façades, just amazing people telling their stories through movement,” said Michelle.
The professional dance company has performed at many site-specific locations and for various festivals such as the Cabaret Festival and Adelaide Festival. This time, however, is the first time in five years that Restless Dance has collaborated with the Adelaide Festival Centre to present its own show.
“It’s all very exciting! Several of our dancers have been with the company for well over 10 years – all of whom are very skilled and have unique qualities that make the show a rich experience,” said Michelle.
“At a time where everyone talks about representation, it’s important to see diversity on stage.”
Inspired by her own experiences, Michelle explained in greater detail her thoughts behind creating Exposed.
“Most of us are free to make choices about what parts of our life we keep private and what is public. But for some, this choice is often not so straight forward,” said Michelle.
“We need to rely on others, sometimes strangers to help us with moments in life that you might take for granted. And if we are lucky, we will have people around us who we trust. Trust is built slowly over time, relinquishing ourselves to the hands of others.
“With our backs to the wall, creating edges and boundaries, we build a community around us to keep our fragility protected. It is when we feel safe enough to let our guards down, we can show the little pieces of ourselves that are our most personal. To be brave, yet vulnerable, is when we feel safe and not exposed.”
With an evocative score by Hilary Kleinig and Emily Tulloch, stunning lighting and set design by Geoff Cobham and a superb cast of seven diverse Restless dancers, Exposed is expressive, somewhat haunting, mysterious and gracefully performed.
Director: Michelle Ryan
Assistant Director: Larissa McGowan
Musical score: Hilary Kleinig & Emily Tulloch
Set & Lighting Design: Geoff Cobham
Costume Design: Renate Henschke
Date: 6-9 April
Tickets: On sale through Ticketek here.
Venue: Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre.
More News
