THREE

Australasian Dance Collective presented its long-awaited triple bill, THREE, to QPAC last night.

The performance opens with Melanie Lane’s work titled “Alterum” with a theme of newfound heroes and the supernatural body. The choreography explores the idea of evolution, dealing with the trial and errors of the living world, and the processes of natural section.

Then, Jack Lister’s “Still Life” deals with the dichotomy of the impermanence of life (and dance) against the permanence of an artwork. The flurry of passing time contrasted with enduring memories produce a high-paced choreography, with the final pas-de-deux stealing the show. The clean white frame of the stage set provided a fertile background for the idea of suspended movement that is inherent in still-life painting (I only found myself wishing to see a body in that frame!).

The final piece, “Cult”, by London-based choreographer Hofesh Shechter, tackles the challenging subject of life and death. This short piece displays a lot of physicality, giving the dancers a chance to show off their skills. Finishing somewhat abruptly, it conveys the unexpected nature of life and death.

THREE's season closes this Saturday, 29 May 2021.