Offering audiences a unique and intimate way to reflect on and commemorate the ANZAC Centenary, Queensland Ballet’s Lest We Forget at the Playhouse, QPAC from 29 July 2016, will be a moving reflection on the impact of war not only on those who served but also those who were left behind.
Lest We Forget is a moving reflection on war, featuring works from three of the best choreographers working today – Paul Taylor, Ma Cong and Natalie Weir. War can intensify feelings of love, commitment and passion. All of the works in this unique triple bill draw on the power of dance to reflect upon the heartache of war.
The three works: Paul Taylor’s Company B; Ma Cong’s In the Best Moments; and Natalie Weir’s We Who Are Left – are all quite different to each other. “We’re privileged to have three incredible works to perform by three highly respected choreographers,” said Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director, Mr Li Cunxin. “Lest We Forget incorporates contemporary dance and neo classical ballet and will have wide appeal for audiences.”
First performed by the Paul Taylor Dance Company in 1991, Company B recalls a turbulent war era through the hit songs of the Andrews Sisters. The music is upbeat but the dance references the reality of many husbands, sons and boyfriends saying goodbye to their loved ones as they went off to war.
Known for his bold and innovative work, choreographer Ma Cong has created In the Best Moments especially for this Queensland Ballet season. Inspired by The Hours Suite by Philip Glass, this is an intimate depiction of human relationships across three movements of music.
One of Australia’s most acclaimed contemporary choreographers, Natalie Weir, has created a stunning work inspired by poetry written during the First World War. We Who Are Left tells personal stories exploring themes such as separation, loss, fear, pride, bravery and dignity.
Mr Li said the season was quite an intimate remembering of war and its impact as all the works explored the themes of love, commitment and passion. “The season draws on the power of dance to reflect the heartache of war and therefore touches on some very deep emotions,” he said.
“Ballet lends itself perfectly to telling stories like these as it’s such an affecting artform that expresses emotion through the movement of bodies. I think audiences will be truly moved by this season as we continue to commemorate the important milestone of the ANZAC Centenary.”
“We’re very proud of this program as it salutes our forefathers’ heroic endeavours and honours their incredible sacrifice as we treasure the precious peace and prosperity we enjoy today,” said Mr Li.
Company B
Choreographer: Paul Taylor Costume Designer: Santo Loquasto Lighting Designer: Jennifer Tipton Songs: The Andrews Sisters Staged for this production: Richard Chen See
In The Best Moments
Choreographer: Ma Cong Lighting Designer: David Walters Costume Designer: Noelene Hill Set Designer: Thomas Boyd Music: The Hours Suite – Philip Glass. Commissioned by Queensland Ballet and Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
We Who Are Left
Choreographer: Natalie Weir Lighting Designer: David Walters Costume Designer: Noelene Hill Music: War Requiem – Benjamin Britten. Commissioned by Queensland Ballet and Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
Lest We Forget
Playhouse – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Season: 29 July – 6 August 2016
Bookings: www.qpac.com.au
For more information, visit: www.queenslandballet.com.au for details.
Image: Principal Laura Hidalgo and Junior Soloist Vito Bernasconi – photo by Simon Lekias