Experience an electrifying night of three ballets celebrating the creative choreographic giants of the 20th century and the fresh visions of the 21st, as the Australian Ballet presents 20:21 at Arts Centre Melbourne from 27 August 2015.
With not a tutu or tiara in sight, 20:21 opens with a world premiere from The Australian Ballet’s Resident Choreographer Tim Harbour. Stripped-down and rapid-fire, Filigree and Shadow brings together cast members from across the ballet ranks as it pushes them to their physical limits.
“Tim Harbour has an inquiring and energetic aesthetic,” says The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director David McAllister He is always keen to push himself and the dancers to discover new ways of using their ability to push the ballet form further, and find humanity and truth through dance.”
The new work brings together some of the most cutting-edge creators working in their fields. 48nord (Ulrich Müller and Siegfried Rössert) have created an original electronic score for the piece, and dancers will perform in a stunning set designed by acclaimed Australian architect Kelvin Ho.
Looking back to the beginning of modern ballet, George Balanchine’s powerful Symphony in Three Movements follows with an energetic ensemble of dancers blending angular movement with the vigour of jazz, all paced against Igor Stravinsky’s clean and crisp score.
Finally Twyla Tharp’s pulse-pounding In the Upper Room will set the stage alight with red pointe shoes, sneakers and the driving music of Philip Glass. Inspired by the Boston Marathon, Tharp’s work highlights the athleticism uniting sport and art.
“20:21 lends a muscular, modern edge to The Australian Ballet’s Year of Beauty in 2015,” says McAllister. “Beauty is reflected in everything we do, whether it is a classical setting or a brand new commissioned work.”
Filigree and Shadow (2015)
Choreography Tim Harbour
Music 48 Nord
Set design Kelvin Ho, Akin Creative
Costume concept Tim Harbour
Lighting design Benjamin Cisterne
Symphony In Three Movements (1946)
Choreography George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust
Repetiteur Eve Lawson
Music Igor Stravinsky
In The Upper Room (1986)
Choreography Twyla Tharp
Staged by Shelley Washington
Music Philip Glass
Original costume design Norma Kamali
Original lighting design Jennifer Tipton
20:21
State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 27 August – 5 September 2015
Bookings: 1300 182 183 or online at: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
For more information, visit: www.australianballet.com.au for details.
Image: photo by Justin Ridler