In its Sydney Opera House debut, Australia’s leading inclusive dance theatre company, Restless Dance Theatre, will present its acclaimed new work Exposed – in the Studio from 30 August to 3 September.
Created by award-winning director and choreographer Michelle Ryan and the Restless dancers, Exposed is an evocative contemporary dance work inspired by a moment during the pandemic when Ryan was left feeling vulnerable in a public space. Together with the other lived experiences of the ensemble of dancers, with and without disability, Exposed skillfully portrays a layered, honest and compelling depiction of vulnerability, uncertainty and risk. Through vignettes from daily life, the ensemble visually showcases how building a trusted community allows us to let our guard down, to offer up the pieces of ourselves that are most personal and know that we will be supported.
Offering a vivid counterpart to the choreography, the original and heartfelt composition by Hilary Kleinig and Emily Tulloch (formerly of Zephyr Quartet), and the simple yet striking nature of the lighting and set design by Geoff Cobham, perfectly complement the emotive nature of the work.
“I recently had an experience as a person living with disability where I was made to feel very vulnerable in the public space,” Ryan says. “I felt overwhelmed with fear and distress at the lack of empathy shown. I initially showed my vulnerability but quickly realised the situation required me to show strength. What happens when your usual defences are challenged? Do you stay and fight? What’s your fallback? I am so thrilled to be presenting this story and this work to Sydney audiences in such an iconic theatre.”
Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Performance Ebony Bott says, “Exposed is a beautiful work exploring internal and external vulnerabilities and how they inform the choices we make in everyday life. The intimacy and fragility these talented dancers bring to life is echoed in the original composition that pulls at your heartstrings. Equal parts graceful and haunting, our audiences will be mesmerised by the exquisite melding of movement, design and music.”
Exposed is touring nationally in 2023, including performances in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
Restless Dance Theatre will present Exposed at the Sydney Opera House from 30 August – 3 September. For tickets and more information, visit www.sydneyoperahouse.com/dance/exposed.
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