Sydney Dance Company’s Ascent to make Adelaide debut

Sydney Dance Company takes to the stage direct from sell-out Sydney and Canberra shows with the spellbinding triple-bill Ascent – which is set to premiere in Adelaide at the Dunstan Playhouse in May.

In an inspired triple-bill, Ascent features the work of three leading contemporary choreographers, with the world premiere of Spanish choreographer Marina Mascarell’s The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird, the reprise of Antony Hamilton’s Helpmann Award winning Forever & Ever and Rafael Bonachela brings the world premiere of I Am-ness to Adelaide.

Brimming with physicality, Ascent marries world-class contemporary dance with boundary-breaking futuristic experimentation. Full of electric movement and emotional force, Ascent is a powerful and arresting portrait of contemporary dance and its potential to move, thrill and activate audiences.

Brought to life by Sydney Dance Company’s superb ensemble, Ascent is a sensorial delight featuring immersive installations and compelling musical scores. Exploring themes of humanity, technology and nature, this is an unmissable creative union which is forceful, splendid and electrifying.

“After incredible sell-out seasons at Sydney Opera House and Canberra Theatre Centre, I am beyond thrilled to bring Ascent to Adelaide Festival Centre,” said Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director, Rafael Bonachela.

“We wanted to start the year on a high with Ascent – a powerful triple-bill that will uplift and captivate audiences as we take them on a journey through three bold, emotive and energising works. I am delighted to be able to share this season with the audiences of Adelaide,” said Bonachela.

“Sydney Dance Company is always a welcome addition to Adelaide Festival Centre’s programming. On previous visits to our city, Sydney Dance Company have delighted and engaged Adelaide audiences of all ages leading to sell-out shows. Ascent looks to continue that tradition,” said Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director, Douglas Gautier AM.

I Am-ness
Choreography: Rafael Bonachela | Music: Lonely Angel, meditation for violin and strings by Peteris Vasks | Lighting Design: Damien Cooper | Costume Design: Rafael Bonachela | Costume Design Realisation: Aleisa Jelbart

The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird
Direction: Marina Mascarell | Choreography: Marina Mascarell in collaboration with Sophie Jones, Jesse Scales, Lucy Angel, Coco Wood, Liam Green, Dean Elliott, Emily Seymour, Jacopo Grabar, Luke Hayward | Music: Nick Wales | Set & Costume Designers: Lauren Brincat, Leah Giblin | Lighting Design: Damien Cooper

Forever & Ever
Direction: Antony Hamilton | Music: Julian Hamilton | Costume Design: Paula Levis | Lighting Design: Ben Cisterne


Ascent
Dunstan Playhouse – Adelaide Festival Centre, King William Road, Adelaide
Season: 11 – 13 May 2023
Bookings: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au

For more information, visit: www.sydneydancecompany.com for details.

Image: The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird – photo by Pedro Greig