Naturally
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes.
Don’t resist ... let things flow naturally. Lao Tzu Naturally ... Restless
Adelaide-based Restless Dance Theatre is Australia’s multi-award winning company working with artists with and without disability. The Company will present the world premiere of Naturally – a double bill directed by Michelle Ryan and Emma Stokes featuring both the Restless Youth Ensemble and the Senior Ensemble.
Restless has always had a fascination with what it means to be human and how individuals interact with each other. Naturally comprises of Touched directed by Michelle Ryan and What’s a Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This? directed by Emma Stokes, bringing to the stage 21 charismatic performers ranging in age from 17 to 53 years. Themes of love and attraction are explored through the rawness of animalistic behaviours through to the gentleness of a shared secret.
Michelle Ryan said, ‘Touch is sensed all over your body but what are the emotions you feel in your heart when you are truly touched? Touched delves into a delicious array of sensations and emotions, the loneliness of rejection and the anticipation of a delicate caress. It is sometime humorous, at times confusing but always honest.’
Touched features a music score by Liz Martin and will be performed by Youth Ensemble Dancers: Josh Campton, Chris Dyke, Kathryn Evans, Jianna Georgiou, Michael Hodyl, Lorcan Hopper, Caitlin Moloney, Jenna Hann and Darcy Carpenter, with set and costume designs by Ailsa Paterson and lighting by Chris Petridis.
Emma Stokes said, ‘Nice Girl is an exploration of the way we feel drawn to others, and navigate the emotions, needs and pressures that arise. To trust our intuition and follow our urges may leave us feeling vulnerable. We look to the colour, flair and sensitivities of animalistic courtship to guide us on our personal journeys. We weave our ideas of romance with our more primal instinct.’
I love the Restless Dance Theatre. The troupe is entertaining and talented, with or without any disability. Their performances are heart-felt and the shows heart-warming.