OBSERVER: Triptych
World renowned, Australian choreographer and director, Lewis Major, presents a stunning Contemporary dance, lighting and sound fusion to delight audiences at the Fairfax Studio in the Arts Centre, Melbourne. Triptych consists of three short works – Prologue, Unfolding and Epilogue.
This production is a perfect meld of modern technical effects and elite precision dance which enthrall from start to finish. In Prologue, dancers, Elsi Auricht-Faulks, Felicity Chadwick and Tahlia Russell precisely synced movements compliment the pulsating rhythm and exacting beats from the sound design created by James Peter Brown.
There is no set, as the impressive lighting design created by Fausto Brusamolina is all that is required.
The dancers are in simple black dance attire, so that the movement is the focal point. Next, Felicity Chadwick, in a solo performance holds a marker in one hand which she uses to draw on her body.
Her body is akin to an artist’s canvas as she shows her skill and strength with incredible leg extensions.
We then enjoy a sublime duo by Alexander Abbott and Elsi Auricht-Faulks. Using evocative sound, the pas de deux looks effortless with fluid lifts and extensions. This was a triumph of choreography.
In the final piece, the lighting effects were equally the star to the four dancers. Bold visions of waves, foliage and strobe effects did not detract from the performers.
A soloist turning on the spot with windmill effect lighting taking us on her journey, is a highlight. I commend Lewis Major on his vision.
His collaboration with Fausto Brusa-molina and James Peter Brown takes Contemporary dance to a new high. This is show not to miss if it returns to Australia.
Review by Lyn Hurst