Sydney Dance Company’s De Novo Deliver A Menu Of Delicious And Diverse Treats At Her Majesty’s Theatre – Review

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Thu 6 Aug Sydney Dance Company presents a thoroughly entertaining combination of dance pieces for Adelaide audiences as part of their Australian tour. The night begins with the intense Emergence, choreographed by the current Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, followed by the more witty and bizarre Fanatic by Larissa McGowan and Cacti by Alexander Ekman. Each of the works has its own unique charm and stand-out elements. Emergence incorporates the talents of musicians Sarah Blasko and Nick Wales, costume designer Dion Lee, stage and lighting designer by Benjamin Cisterne and choreographer Rafael Bonachela. The recorded music is dynamic and Sarah Blasko’s voice is haunting and poignant. There are sometimes problems with flow from one song to another as they are all stand-alone songs, but Bonachela does his best with what he had to transition adequately. Emergence featured the entire company of 18 dancers and although individually they are all exceptionally skilled, strong dancers, it was visually incredibly powerful when they were in unison. The costumes nicely complemented Bonachela’s themes of coming into view or being exposed after being concealed. The second instalment of the triple bill, Fanatic, aimed to recapture what film audiences see and feel through a collage of sporadic iconic moments from Alien and Predator movies intertwined with fanatical reactions to the movies. Adelaide’s own Jesse Scales excelled in this frenzied role alongside Richard Cilli and David Mack. The sound construction by Steve Mayhew and choreography by Larissa McGowan was judicious and innovative. Lastly Cacti would have to be one of the most amusing dances I have ever seen. The company executed Alexander Ekman’s vision with hilarious precision with staging, lighting and the live string quartet all adding to the quirkiness of people’s need to analyse and understand art. All the complicated elements came together seamlessly ensuring the audience was mesmerised and swept up in the playful atmosphere. De Novo is a menu of delicious and diverse treats, which finishes on a fabulous sugar high. It should be enjoyed by long-standing lovers of contemporary dance as well as newcomers. Bobby Goudie Sydney Dance Company's De Novo continues at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 7pm until Sat 8 Aug. Book at BASS on 131 246 and bass.net.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets Image courtesy of Peter Greig