The pandemic may have hit the pause button for the Sydney Dance Company, but they’re back with the triumphant new production, Impermanence.
Back in 1969 Ballet in a Nutshell formed by Suzanne Musitz, was the first incarnation of what was to later become the Sydney Dance Company. Having established itself as a leading contemporary dance organisation, its world-renowned performances have included the Sydney Opera House, New York’s Joyce Theatre, Shanghai’s Grand Theatre and the Stanislavsky Theatre in Moscow.
With a reputation for original works, its latest, Impermanence, is described as an ‘exploration of the juxtaposition of beauty and devastation,’ and it stands to reason. Developed by the company’s Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, it not only explores significant ephemeral elements from the past couple of years, but it’s 2020 premier was postponed due to COVID.
A scene from the Sydney Dance Company’s Impermanence
Originally planned as part of a triple-bill, Bonachela and composer Bryce Dessner, made positive use of the lockdown by extending the work into a full-length stand-alone production.
“Impermanence was initially inspired by the impact of the Notre Dame blaze in Paris, and the Australian bush fires of 2019, to explore the transience and fragility of existence,” says Bonachela.
“To finally see the production make it onto the stage, after what the world has recently been through, makes the experience even more poignant and moving,” he says.
“My home country of Spain was particularly impacted by the pandemic. I don’t take this privileged position for granted” – Rafael Bonachela
“Bryce has created incredible music full of emotional power, both raw and poignant, and my choreography takes its cues from those drivers. It’s inspired by questions raised through the music, such as what do we hold dear, and how do we make every moment count?”
With such real-life emotion reflected in the artistry, Bonachela’s choreography reflects the patterns of life, with everything constantly shifting and evolving.
Sydney Dance Company’s Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela
“It follows a pathway through urgency, peace and radiance, to inspire the audience and dancers”, he says.
“It is an incredibly exciting outcome and testament to the resilience of all our artists and collaborators that we are finally able to bring this to the stage. Having the score performed by the Australian String Quartet is also incredible. There’s nothing more powerful than dance performed to live music.”
It’s a similar story for Rehearsal Director Richard Cilli, a dancer himself, who now coaches the performers, rehearses the works and watches every show!
Dancer Dimitri Kleoris in rehearsals for Impermanence
“I saw the premiere of Impermanence before I even knew I’d be working on it, and I was absolutely transported,” says Cilli.
“It’s special for so many reasons. The choreography and dancers are unparalleled, and the magic they create is a gift to watch. In a time when we’ve been unable to be close with others, to see such beautiful intimacy unfold in front of your eyes, is like a spell or even a prayer,” he says.
“Doing what I do is a massively rewarding job, and so different from being a dancer. I now get to share my love of dance by inspiring some incredible artists to keep blooming every day!”
“We performed and rehearsed in our living rooms over zoom. My dog loved it!” – Dimitri Kleoris
One such dancer is Dimitri Kleoris, a graduate of the Australian Ballet School who has performed internationally, including on Broadway and with the Sydney Dance Company’s acclaimed productions ab [intra] and 6 Breaths.
“In my first year, I performed around Australia and in Europe,” says Kleoris.
“But not knowing what was to come, performing onstage was something we all took for granted. I really feel fortunate to be part of a company that has not only survived, but also thrived during the past twelve months. They adapted quickly to the lockdown, and we performed and rehearsed in our living rooms over zoom. My dog loved it!”
“Artistically each piece we do is so much different,” he says.
“My last gig in New York was the lead in An American in Paris and musical theatre demands are very different to a modern dance company. I love that juxtaposition and find it very exciting to work across the different disciplines. We only had one dress rehearsal in the theatre before lockdown happened and life was put on hold. But you can really feel all the elements that Rafael and Bryce developed into it. I know I do as a dancer.”
Sydney Dance Company Rehearsal Director Richard Cilli Photo: Leia Sidery
While the Adelaide Advertiser described Impermanence as “the single best piece created by and for an Australian dance company for many years”, the Australian called it simply “extraordinary”. Needless to say, it is a production of quality that encompasses contemporary life, as we now know it.
“I thought live performance wouldn’t bounce back like it has in Australia” – Richard Cilli
“I feel especially lucky that we are able to tour the country and share this performance, when much of the world is still in lockdown,” says Bonachela.
“My home country of Spain was particularly impacted by the pandemic and I don’t take this privileged position for granted. It feels particularly poignant that a work originally influenced by the fragility of existence is the first to be staged after the devastation of the pandemic.”
Bonachela’s feelings of optimism are shared by his co-director.
“I thought that live performance wouldn’t bounce back like it has in Australia,” says Cilli.
“Slowly but surely, it did and I think audiences will be blown away with Impermanence. It’s a heart-stopping hour of thrilling dance and music that will nourish your soul. You’ll want the music to be the sound track to your life. Actually you now can, because we’ve released the album!”
For more on the Impermanence national tour visit: sydneydancecompany.com
