If you thought the Sydney Opera House was a rarefied hall that only staged classical ballet and opera, it’s time to acquaint yourself with the SOH of today – a dynamic, welcoming space that’s a home for our city’s diverse cultural talents.
This month its intimate Studio venue will light up for Deejay x Dancer – an explosively energetic show in which Sydney-based choreographer Nick Power (Two Crews, Between Tiny Cities) pays tribute to hip hop’s origins.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary block parties of 1970s New York, world champion turntablist DJ Total Eclipse (a veteran who’s toured with AB Original and Funkoars) will bring the beats as three of Australia’s most respected breakers throw it down. Those dancers are Hybrid Formz Crew member Anastasios Repousi; Jackson Garcia, member of breaking crews Skill at Will and Team Cream; and Demi Sorono of So You Think You Can Dance fame.
Audiences will be treated to a demonstration of the intricate interplay between dancer and the decks as embodied in a thrilling call-and-response showdown. In the heartracing heat of the moment the two will improvise and riff off each other, merging old and new influences in boundary-pushing performances. The show will highlight the forged-in-fire connection between these two traditional hip-hop forms, as well as the skill and playfulness of artists at the pinnacle of their game.
This uplifting and unforgettable show is part of the Sydney Opera House’s Contemporary Performance program and commissioned under New Work Now, an initiative which invests in artists creating bold new works that tell uniquely Australian stories.
The show is on for a limited run between Thursday August 18 and Sunday August 21, so snap up a spot if you’re feeling this vibe. There’s good news for students too – they can get a discounted ticket for $39, while general tickets are going for $49.