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| Some of the cast of "Happiness is …" Photo Lorna Sim |
Directed by Jacqui Simmonds for Canberra Dance Theatre.
The Street Theatre 12th -14th October.
Performance on 14th October reviewed by Bill Stephens
Established in 1978, under the artistic direction of
Stephanie Burridge, Canberra Dance Theatre (originally Canberra Dance Ensemble)
has enjoyed remarkable longevity as an important outlet for the creativity of
dance makers from both Canberra and beyond.
The twelve well-chosen works impeccably presented in this
celebratory program provided an extraordinarily entertaining and persuasive
demonstration of the diversity and quality of the work of this remarkable
organization and why it is so valued by the Canberra dance community.
A work inspired by a Dylan Thomas poem, “The Green
Fuse”, choreographed by Carol Brown to the music of Rick Smith’s “And I will
Kiss”, provided a dramatic opening. As
the lights slowly revealed the GOLD dancers, prostrate on stage, the voice of
Camilla Blunden filled the theatre with the words of Dylan’s poem. Suddenly a single head popped
out of the mass, then others, nd as Smith’s atmospheric music took over, the
dancers, each seemingly captivated by their own thoughts, created a charming
sense of reverie to begin the evening.
Later in the program, the GOLD dancers showed their
versatility by performing “Annette”, Chrissie Shaw’s delightful tribute to
swimmer, Annette Kellerman, cheekily choreographed by Liz Lea and first seen as
part of the Australian Dance Award winning production, “Great Sport”, at the
National Museum of Australia.
CDE founding Artistic Director, Stephanie Burridge,
returned from Singapore to give a mesmerizing performance of her lovely solo,
“Fragile”, for which the music of Saint-Saens “The Swan”, was performed live on
stage by violinist Kailin Yong. Yong also performed with Anca Frankenhaeuser,
in the highlight of the evening, “Mist”, a stunning work choreographed by
Burridge for two performers, which commenced with Yong playing his violin while
lying on his back, and with Frankenhaeuser blindfolded. .
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| Anca Frankenhaekuser and Kailin Yong performing "Mist" Photo by Andrew Sikorski |
Other highlights included a spell-binding duet, “Hand
Again” performed by Frankenhaeuser and Patrick Harding-Irmer, a lovely performance of Elizabeth Cameron
Dalman’s solo “Woman of the River”, by
Amanda Tutalo, and Grace Bannister-Tyrell performance of a percussive solo,”Pamoja”, originally created
by previous CDT Artistic Director Amalia
Horden, and remounted for these performances by Philip Piggin.
If any proof were needed as to the breadth and variety
of dance styles and techniques embraced be CDT over the years, there was plenty
on show in the ensemble works which included a troupe of graceful Hilal
Dancers who performed “The Other I”,
choreographed by Rachael Hilton and Melissa Lee
to the music of the Tawadros Brothers, Fusako Skelton’s charming “A Maze In Day” in which ballerina’s in black tutu’s
gently competed for attention displaying their classical ballet technique to
the music of Scott Joplin.
Jazida’s Fabulous Fan Dancers expertly manipulated
huge multi-coloured ostrich feather fans to spectacular effect for “Because I
Love You”, then later returned to dazzle with colourful silk fans for a routine
entitled “Spice Girls”, both of which were choreographed by Rachel Reid.
The evening ended appropriately with a joyful ensemble
work choreographed by Emma Saunders, called “Happiness Is …” which effectively
highlighted the connections between movement, dance, happiness and
well-being, factors which have been
driving forces behind Canberra Dance
Theatre. It was a message subtly underlined by the outdoor performance by the
special needs group, the CDTeens, which preceded the main performance.