Martin del Amo premieres ‘Scary Piece of Work’ at Sydney Opera House this June

Scary Piece of Work, a new solo work by choreographer Martin del Amo, will premiere at the Sydney Opera House this June, marking the artist’s return to the stage with a timely exploration of fear and uncertainty.

Blending dance and spoken word, Scary Piece of Work is a witty commentary on the things that scare us most in a time of global uncertainty, and how we cope with them. Showing how fear can serve many purposes, this multi-layered performance fuses pop culture with Martin del Amo’s trademark humour and inventiveness. Drawing on film conventions to conjure a quietly unsettling atmosphere, the work weaves together elements of horror and noir to reveal fear as both a concept and a lived experience. 

Known for his full-length solos, del Amo makes his much-anticipated return to an artform that has earned him two Australian Dance Awards nominations. The Sydney-based dancer and choreographer has built a reputation over three decades as a mentor and creative consultant in Sydney’s independent dance scene, largely creating work for other solo artists and ensembles.  

Performer and choreographer Martin del Amo said: “This is a work that speaks directly to the moment, tapping into a sense of fear that feels increasingly present while gently poking at it. I wanted to explore fear in all its shifting forms – not just as a debilitating force or an ominous presence in our everyday lives, but also as a primal survival instinct. Our goal is to leave the audience thinking about how the shared vulnerability of fear connects us all, in a way that might not be so scary after all.”

Scary Piece of Work comes to Sydney Opera House’s Studio 11 – 13 June. Tickets are on sale now from $39. Book here.

Scary Piece of Work. Martin del Amo. Image credit Wendell Teodoro