Michelle Ryan started dancing when she was four years old. At thirty, at the peak of her elite dance career, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and since then her life has become more vulnerable and precarious, her need for the help of others more urgent, and her own experience more lonely.
With Intimacy, audience members are voyeurs and potential participants in a world where boundaries between the doer and watcher continually shift. The show asks; “Will you volunteer to help even though it may take you into a vulnerable place? What are you willing to risk to help someone else in need? How long can you remain un- involved in someone’s struggle?”
Performed with a live score by Lavender Vs Rose, Intimacy is a fictional stage for Michelle’s real-life daily experiences; a world where highly awkward, absurdly humorous and deeply moving moments manifest in unexpected ways. And where other people aren’t sure where to look. Who will take this dance with her?
Torque Show was founded in 2010 by Vincent Crowley, Ross Ganf and Ingrid Weisfelt. The company works are intellectually rigorous, matched with a strong experiential demand on audiences, both in form and content. All of their works are created through a collaborative process led by Vincent, Ross and Ingrid in various guises and roles.
Michelle Ryan, Vincent and Ingrid have been friends and colleagues since being company members of Meryl Tankard’s Australian Dance Theatre almost twenty years ago, and it was a reflection of their shared history – both professional and personal, that inspired this collaboration.
“Intimacy is an extraordinarily touching work. It makes you laugh and it makes you cry almost in the same heartbeat. I felt I walked a mile in Michelle Ryan’s shoes – understanding what it must be like to face such physical and emotional challenges.” – Suzan Williams (NARPACA)
Directors: Ingrid Weisfelt and Ross Ganf Performers: Michelle Ryan, Vincent Crowley, Emma Bathgate, Simon Eszeky Lighting Design: John Ford Set and Costume Design: Adrienne Chisholm Composition: Lavender Vs Rose Production and Stage Manager: Halley Jean Buckham Presented as part of Helium – an initiative of the Malthouse Theatre
Intimacy
Tower Theatre – The Coopers Malthouse, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
Season: 13 – 23 August 2014
Bookings: (03) 9685 5111 or online at: www.malthousetheatre.com.au
For more information, visit: www.torqueshow.net.au for details.
Image: Vincent Crowley and Michelle Ryan – by Fiona Cullen