Sydney Dance Company is set to captivate Melbourne audiences with the debut of Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela’s latest creation, ‘momenta’, at the Arts Centre Melbourne from 8-12 October.
This full-length dance work, which has already garnered critical acclaim in Sydney, is a celebration of the profound beauty and fragility of shared humanity. Through the dynamic and evocative language of contemporary dance, ‘momenta’ delves into the ephemeral nature of human connections and encounters.
Bonachela’s choreography is renowned for its intricate rhythmic patterns and inventive partnering, and ‘momenta’ is no exception. The 17 dancers of Sydney Dance Company transcend their physical boundaries, showcasing a breathtaking blend of grace, power, and vulnerability. Each movement is designed to resonate through space, creating a visceral experience for audiences as they are drawn into a world where raw emotion seamlessly blends with exquisite technique.
The performance is elevated by the evocative electronic soundscapes of composer Nick Wales, who weaves in elements from P?teris Vasks, adding layers of depth to the narrative. Elizabeth Gadsby’s immersive set design and Damien Cooper’s striking lighting further enhance the atmosphere, capturing the essence of fleeting moments suspended between past and future. These elements converge to create a space where individual trajectories collide and intertwine, echoing the transient nature of life itself.
Rafael Bonachela expressed his excitement about bringing ‘momenta’ to Melbourne, stating, “We’re thrilled to present momenta in Melbourne for the first time. momenta is a testament to the ephemeral yet profound connections that weave through all of our lives. From the most tender exchanges to an intense physical storm, the dancers traverse the beauty and complexity of the human experience. It’s a deeply personal exploration, as we invite audiences to join us on a journey that speaks to the very essence of what it means to be alive, where pure movement becomes a language of connection and expression.”
Set designer Elizabeth Gadsby shares her inspiration behind the creation, explaining, “I have always been captivated by physics and space. The notion of a universal hum, that every moment holds the vibration of everything that has ever been, is a concept that has been a huge inspiration during the momenta creative process. I loved that sense of movement existing on this imperceptible yet universal scale—universal in the sense of both space and time. There is something about the human body’s place within this that I find fascinating.”
‘Momenta’ promises to be a profound and immersive experience, inviting audiences to reflect on the transient nature of life and the connections that define us. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a masterful exploration of humanity through the art of dance. Performances run from October 8th to 12th at the Arts Centre Melbourne.
Ticketing and key information:
8-12 October 2024
Arts Centre Melbourne
Tickets $40 – $100