In a landmark trans-Tasman collaboration, Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia and The New Zealand Dance Company honour one of New Zealand’s most revered choreographers, the late Douglas Wright. Wright is acclaimed as one of the country’s most magnificent artists of the 21st century and renowned for his beautiful, brave, and innovative choreography that has left an enduring legacy in contemporary dance.
At the heart of the programme is the restaging of his iconic masterpiece GLORIA, premiered in 1990 and remounted only a handful of times since, including a critically acclaimed presentation at the 1992 Perth Festival. It was last staged by Co3 in 2022 and now returns by popular demand. Set to Antonio Vivaldi’s most famous sacred score, performed live by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and St George’s Cathedral Consort, this towering work bursts with joy, exaltation, and hope as 10 dancers fly, twist, and turn in a graceful airborne celebration of life and human resilience.
This groundbreaking triple bill also features two new creations from leading voices on both sides of the Tasman: A MOVING PORTRAIT by Co3’s Founding Artistic Director Raewyn Hill, and LAMENT by renowned Māori choreographer and Artistic Director of The New Zealand Dance Company, Moss Te Ururangi Patterson.
Raewyn Hill’s A MOVING PORTRAIT offers an intimate, meditative reflection on the themes of ageing, fragility, and grace. This excerpt is drawn from her larger work In the Shadow of Time and is performed by five dancers from Co3 Contemporary Dance. It is set to music from Arvo Pärt’s Tabula Rasa, specifically the movements “Ludus II” and “Silentium” (with “Silentium” using a recorded performance by the Australian Chamber Orchestra), and features costumes designed by the acclaimed Australian-Japanese fashion designer Akira Isogawa.
Patterson’s LAMENT, performed by five dancers from The New Zealand Dance Company, traces a powerful journey through memory and resilience, honouring the endurance of whakapapa and the visionary artistry of Douglas Wright.
Dancers from both companies will then join forces to complete the evening’s performance, bringing Douglas Wright’s masterpiece GLORIA to the stage.
“For Co3 and for me, this season marks a moment of connection, pride, and shared momentum. Touring the work across Aotearoa with New Zealand Dance Company before sharing it with audiences in Western Australia, through a regional tour and a limited season in Perth, marks a powerful moment of collaboration between Co3 and the New Zealand Dance Company.” – Raewyn Hill, on what it means for Co3 to be touring to New Zealand for Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts
“Collaboration sits at the heart of this programme, and the opportunity to present work in Western Australia is an absolute highlight. We’re so honoured to be working alongside the amazing team at CO3.” – Moss Te Ururangi Patterson, on the value of collaboration and the significance of working with WA’s State contemporary dance company.
Don’t miss this rare and exhilarating celebration of dance, music, legacy, and cross-border creativity. GLORIA – A Triple Bill tours first to the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts (12–14 March 2026 in Wellington), followed by regional Western Australia performances and a limited Perth season at His Majesty’s Theatre (31 March at 7:30pm; 1 April at 1:00pm and 7:30pm). Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from $30–$75. Book at https://co3.org.au/
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