The Australian Ballet has been responsible for many memorable and groundbreaking productions over the years, but never before has the company undertaken such an ambitious project.
Kunstkamer is a remarkable tour de force created by four of the industry’s most celebrated choreographers: Paul Lightfoot, Sol León, Marco Goecke and Crystal Pite. It was commissioned for the 60th anniversary of the Nederlands Dans Theater (widely regarded as one of the best contemporary dance companies in the world), and this Australian showing will be the first time it has been performed outside of the Netherlands.
Inspired by the 18th century cabinet of curiosities, Kunstkamer brings together diverse elements – stark movement, song, film, spoken word and 80 dancers – to form an extraordinary and fascinating piece of work, bound together by recurring motifs and characters. The music is also inspired, and features a vast array of composers, including Beethoven, Bach, Janis Joplin and Joby Talbot.
The sublime choreography, which moves from the intimacy and humour of the solos and pas de deux to intricate waves of ensemble movement seamlessly, pays homage to dance theatre traditions while also exploring new frontiers of expression.
Kunstkamer offers a new take on ballet, and invites you to wonder at the endless possibilities of art. It opens at Arts Centre Melbourne on June 3 for an 11-show run. For further information and to secure your tickets, head to the website.