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Identity

2 – 20 May 2023

In the Joan Sutherland Theatre

The Australian Ballet

Dance

Two of Australia’s leading choreographers join forces exploring the theme of Identity. 

A new program from two of Australia’s leading choreographers

THE HUM (Daniel Riley)

Evoking a search for cultural perpetuity, the first work THE HUM is a new dance-theatre work created by Daniel Riley, Wiradjuri man, and Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre. Centred upon the tangible yet invisible creative connection between performers, orchestra and audience, this work will unite artists of Australian Dance Theatre and The Australian Ballet in a never-before-seen collaboration.

Working together to realise a new ceremonial space of sharing and communality spanning rehearsal studio and stage, this work forges new relationships and develops a shared physicality, exploding with future-focussed visions.

The work is enriched by a brand new commissioned score for a full orchestra by celebrated Yorta Yorta composer and soprano Deborah Cheetham AO, the first female First Nations composer to be commissioned by The Australian Ballet.

Taungurung fashion designer and educator Annette Sax will design bespoke contemporary costumes inspired by the textures and elements of the land. Adelaide based multidisciplinary artist Matthew Adey will also develop a set and lighting design for this world-premiere collaboration.

THE HUM celebrates a resonance between our musicians, our dancers and the swell of our land, celebrating the idea of the individual artist as part of a broader creative ecosystem of shared knowledge, emotion and energy.

Paragon (Alice Topp)

The Australian Ballet's Resident Choreographer Alice Topp will premiere her new work Paragon in 2023, a powerful tribute to the company's origins, strength and evolution.

Paragon explores the pursuit of perfection and excellence in the art form of ballet, while also referencing the idea that the company was formed under conditions of pressure and immense expectations, much like a diamond in the natural world.

Presented by The Australian Ballet, with Opera Australia Orchestra

The back of a dancer in mid movement with one leg lifted and hands thrown back. Head looking to one side, against an ochre coloured backdrop.

Image Gallery

Daniel Riley and Alice Topp are two of Australia’s leading choreographic voices. They both explore what identity means to them, whether it be the identity of Australia, the identity of community, or the identity of art. In honour of our 60th anniversary, we look at the sense of identity in today’s artists.

David Hallberg, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet

Video Gallery

Artist information

The Hum

Direction and concept 
Daniel Riley, Wiradjuri

Choreography 
Daniel Riley, in collaboration with cast

Music 
Deborah Cheetham AO, Yorta Yorta

Costume design 
Annette Sax, Taungurung

Set and lighting design 
Matthew Adey

The Australian Ballet commission,
choreographed by Daniel Riley
in association with Australian Dance Theatre.

Paragon

Choreography 
Alice Topp

Music 
Christopher Gordon

Costume design 
Aleisa Jelbart

Set and lighting design 
Jon Buswell

Other information

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