Sydney Dance Company is set to light up the stage this August with Engine, an electrifying triple bill featuring three of contemporary dance’s most distinctive voices.
Presented by Arts and Culture Trust and Sydney Dance Company, the program runs from August 5–8 and marks the company’s highly anticipated return with works by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, Berlin-based choreographer Fran Diaz, and acclaimed Australian artist Melanie Lane.
A Journey Through Movement and Memory
Anchoring the evening is Bonachela’s The Journey Itself is Home, a compelling new creation inspired by the poetry of 17th-century Japanese master Matsuo Bashō. Set to an original score by Grammy Award-winning composer Bryce Dessner, the work explores the profound connections between movement, memory, and place, offering audiences an immersive and contemplative experience.
European Vision Meets Australian Stage
Making its Australian debut, Fran Diaz’s The Mass Ornament draws inspiration from Siegfried Kracauer’s influential 1927 essay of the same name. The Berlin-based choreographer reimagines ideas of collectivity through a hypnotic contemporary lens, set to the haunting music of Henryk Górecki. The work strikes a delicate balance between individual expression and shared rhythmic force, creating a visually arresting and emotionally resonant performance.
Folk Traditions Reimagined
Completing the program is Melanie Lane’s critically acclaimed Love Lock, a bold contemporary reworking of folk dance traditions. The piece blends cultural heritage with reflections on global change, featuring intricate costume design by renowned Australian fashion designer Akira Isogawa and an atmospheric electronic score by UK artist Clark.
Love Lock has garnered widespread critical praise since its premiere:
“…choreographed with electric intelligence by Melanie Lane,” awarded five stars by the Sydney Morning Herald.
Engine promises to showcase contemporary dance at its most daring, bringing together diverse artistic perspectives in a program that is both intellectually engaging and visually captivating.
Performance Details: Engine runs August 5–8. For tickets and more information, visit artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au.
