THE DARK CHORUS
Lucy Guerin unleashes a dance premiere that
will enfold you in the embrace of darkness.
The dramatic chorus is both the voice of the
people and of your most intimate thoughts,
a moving sculpture of bodies and concepts
made flesh. From the mind of one of Australia’s
most renowned choreographers springs a
commanding new work that reaches back to
the roots of ancient theatre to create something
entirely of the now.
Shadow and illumination, the individual and the
mob, the fantastic and the all-too real—these
opposites melt into each other in a compelling
maelstrom of dance with an irresistible
undertow. Be carried away.
Duration 1 hr, no interval
ARTIST TALK
TUE 11 OCT 6.30PM, post-show FREE
FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
The Dark Chorus began in my mind as a
vivid, visual structure, a bright circular light
surrounded by a dark shadowy circumference.
The past lurks in the shadows while a different
mode of expression tests itself in the middle.
The black clad chorus carries history, power and
familiarity while the central figures counter its
language, associations, rhythms and aesthetics.
The chorus generates its own opposition. It
is alluring and seductive but also controlling.
The tensions of binaries; light and dark, past
and present, abstract and literal, motion
and stillness, sound and silence, internal
and external, generate the elements of the
performance. But in the end, the seduction of
these absolutes gives way to tragedy.
How can we accommodate the complex,
multiple needs of individuals, communities and
societies while extreme, dominant voices are
getting louder? And what are the consequences
of creating something new or different and of
rejecting our history?
LUCY GUERIN INC
THE DARK
“Although it has a classical frame, The
Dark Chorus speaks to our contemporary
questions around power—our fears of being
controlled, radicalised, indoctrinated. In this
environment how can we achieve freedom?”
—Adena Jacobs, Dramaturg
At times this process felt like a performance
machine in motion. It seemed to have its own
momentum and to propel us into places that
we didn’t anticipate. Its intensity and drama
surprised me.
There is no single way to read this dance.
Viewers bring their own history, knowledge
and references to their watching, and these
will resonate with the movement and images.
There is a multiplicity of ways to connect with
the show that are all important and all intended.
Looking forward to hearing your responses.
►► LUCY GUERIN, Artistic Director