AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre Announces First Season Since 2019
AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre (formerly Austinmer Dance Theatre) presents their first season since revealing their new name and direction. f o r n o w, delivers three premiere pieces to the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre.
Through collaborative creative processes, former company artist Kate Arber, leading Australian choreographer ANTON, Artistic Director Michelle Maxwell, and company artists, explore and dissect the visceral connections which bring us together:
Kate Arber’s A Blue Heart Seeking Warmth From A Curious Mind, traverses the complexity and commonness of a shared experience of deep individuality; formed and ever exploring, never contained or sacrificed, open and felt to those who are curious. Kate is an up-and-coming choreographic talent who has excelled herself in her first creation for the company’s main season.
S I F T I N G by Artistic Director Michelle Maxwell, explores the Greek root of the word crisis; to sift, to shake things up and leave behind only what is truly important, that’s what crises do. This evocative piece, two years in the making, combines the skills and talent of cast and creators. It provokes all of us to unravel the many layers, challenges, highs, and lows presented along this journey.
Looking outwardly to nature, ANTON’s piece, THE DEEP, is inspired by currents beneath the ocean and places the body in an imagined, never ending, buoyant and suspended state that fluctuates between suspension, resistance, breath and release. “ANTON’s work is hauntingly mesmerising and intricate. He has a divine way of working with artists, drawing out the best in everyone.” – Michelle Maxwell, Artistic Director.
As part of the season, AUSTI. will host a matinee performance with a Q&A aimed at secondary school students. Company dancers will be joined on stage by an IPAC technician, giving students the opportunity to ask questions about the technical aspects of the theatre and career pathways in addition to dance and creative processes. “Nurturing and inspiring the next generation of creative artists is something we are immensely passionate about.” – Michelle Maxwell, Artistic Director.
f o r n o w, is showing 24th – 25th June in the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre’s Bruce Gordon Theatre. The season includes; a matinee performance with Q&A on 24th June at 11am, and evening performances on 24th and 25th June at 8pm. The performance runs for one hour in duration with no interval. Tickets begin at $16. To purchase and learn more visit www.ipac.org.au.
AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre is the Illawarra’s only pre-professional company for elite contemporary dancers aged 17-25 years. The company has received many accolades including the 2011 Sydney Fringe Festival (SFF) Most Outstanding Dance Production. AUSTI. builds strong, confident artists through passion and commitment. Their unique program is a progressive and accessible stepping-stone for young artists entering the professional industry, providing professional training and skills development through exposure to a diversity of national and international artists. To learn more, visit www.austitheatre.com.au