Shaun Parker & Company has achieved yet another milestone with its acclaimed dance production, KING, being selected for the prestigious Belgrade Dance Festival 2025. This electrifying performance will take the stage at Terazije Theatre in Belgrade on March 25 and 26, marking a new chapter in the global success story of one of Australia’s most dynamic contemporary dance companies.
A globally acclaimed masterpiece
Described as “powerful and ingenious” (Paneacqua Culture Magazine, Italy) and “a must-see” (Fjord Review, USA), KING has been a sell-out success since its 2019 debut in Sydney. Combining Shaun Parker’s bold, inventive choreography with the captivating music of Bulgarian composer Ivo Dimchev, the production’s impact has reverberated on stages worldwide, from Austria and Germany to Jordan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and Palestine.
Exploring themes of male power, control, and group dynamics, KING takes audiences to a surreal world, part cocktail-bar, part jungle. Conceived in collaboration with Australian philanthropist Penny Hunstead, the set design serves as the backdrop for a biting critique of patriarchal traditions. As Parker himself states, “KING is a tribute to a society that is rebelling against a dysfunctional patriarchal tradition.”
The choreography, hailed as “gutsy and heart-wrenching” (Sydney Arts Guide), oscillates between humour and intensity, keeping audiences “on the edge of their seats.” Reviews have extolled the production’s ability to marry intricate physicality with theatricality. “Detailed, nuanced, imaginative, and something that is rare in dance—funny,” remarked Frankfurter Rundschau.
Keiynan Lonsdale joins the cast
Adding even more star power to the upcoming Belgrade performances, Australian actor, dancer, and singer-songwriter Keiynan Lonsdale will join the cast of KING. Known internationally for his Hollywood roles in Love, Simon and The Flash, this opportunity marks Lonsdale’s first official role with a major dance company.
Starting his career as a dancer before transitioning to acting and music, Lonsdale sees this as a chance to reconnect with his roots. “KING allows me to return to my love for dance while joining a cast and company that are celebrated for pushing creative boundaries. I can’t wait to bring new energy to such a resonant performance.”
A rare collaboration
At the heart of KING lies the unique partnership between Shaun Parker and Ivo Dimchev. Dimchev’s live performance as the soulful cabaret crooner delivers what the Luxembourg Times calls “melodic, piercing, and deeply powerful original compositions.” Together with Parker’s extraordinary ensemble of nine dancers, the production is described as “a rare form of inspired collaboration” (Writing About Dance, UK).
Dimchev has been part of the show since its inception, performing his seductive score live in every iteration of the production. His musical genius has been a driving force behind the show’s dynamic storytelling and emotional depth.
From Sydney to Belgrade
First launched in the midst of the #MeToo movement, and with its first revival as part of Sydney World Pride 2023, KING has a history of capturing the pulse of the moment. In the words of Dance Australia, the production “weaves in and out of the jungle and layers of masculinity, love, and control” with a magnetic narrative flow that resonates globally.
Australian fans don’t have to wait for Belgrade to catch a glimpse. Shaun Parker & Company will host an exclusive in-studio preview in Australia, offering a rare opportunity to see excerpts of the production in an intimate setting before its international tour.
Don’t miss your chance to experience KING
For audiences in Belgrade, KING promises an unforgettable evening of cutting-edge choreography, theatrical innovation, and thought-provoking themes. The performances are slated for 8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 25 and 26, at Terazije Theatre.
Reserve your seat for this masterpiece of contemporary dance, as Shaun Parker & Company continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Stay tuned for exclusive Australian preview details at shaunparkercompany.com and follow Shaun Parker & Company on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
This is more than a show—it’s a movement. Don’t just watch it—feel it. Book now!