West Australian Ballet is embarking on an ambitious new annual season of dynamic contemporary ballet opening at the State Theatre Centre of WA in June.
Increasing the amount of seasons performed annually and time on-stage for dancers has long been part of Artistic Director Aurélien Scannella’s ambition for the Company.
“Dancers train their whole lives to be on-stage, and to now have another season gives them a new experience to shine and our audiences a new opportunity to escape, to feel and to express which is so important,” said Scannella.
“STATE is going to be a triple-bill of dynamic works, all I can say is don’t miss this thrilling new season.”
After its cancellation in 2020, iconic Australian Choreographer Graeme Murphy’s Air and Other Invisible Forces will be performed on the Heath Ledger stage with a 45-minute excerpt of the acclaimed work.
A dramatic and powerful piece driven by the intangibles and journeys into the unknown, West Australian Ballet is the only Company outside of Sydney Dance Company to have performed this piece.
Company dancer Adam Alzaim will choreograph his first work for the mainstage, after being a much-loved regular of West Australian Ballet’s annual creative showcase; Genesis.
Alzaim will build off his previous works to bring GAINSBOURG – an original work inspired by French musician Serge Gainsbourg. The work will shine with energetic and intricate movement as Gainsbourg’s sensual voice resonates through Northbridge.
STATE will also feature a new creation from Helpmann Award nominee Javanese-Australian Choreographer Melanie Lane, who will collaborate with digital music creator CLARK on the premiere work; Slow Haunt.
The work will re-imagine Romantic ballet, echoing the mythic talks of jilted lovers suspended between the real and supernatural worlds. The haunting depiction examines the themes of desire and vengeance in the 25-minute piece.
With just 10 performances in this multi-bill contemporary season, secure your tickets to see West Australian Ballet in their new annual season.
Air and Other Invisible Forces:
Choreographer: Graeme Murphy Creative Associate: Janet Vernon Staging Directors: Bradley Chatfield, Catherine Goss Set Designer: Gerard Manion Costume Designer: Akira Isogawa Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper Composer: Giya Kancheli
Slow Haunt:
Choreographer: Melanie Lane Costume Designer: Akira Isogawa Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper Composer: Chris Clark
GAINSBOURG:
Choreographer & Costumer Designer: Adam Alzaim Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper Composer & Music: Serge Gainsbourg
STATE
Heath Ledger Theatre – State Theatre Centre of WA, 174 William Street, Perth
Season: 24 June – 3 July 2021
Information and Bookings: www.waballet.com.au
Image: Polly Hilton for STATE – photo by Frances Andrijich and Wunderman Thompson