Rafael Bonachela Welcome Note

Ascent Sydney

What a joy it is to be back on the road and connecting with audiences around Australia for our 2023 National Tour! After such an incredibly successful opening season of Ascent in Sydney, I am so thrilled to be sharing this blockbuster triple bill with you.

Ascent will feature my newest creation, I Am-ness, and works by two exceptionally talented choreographers and dear friends –Marina Mascarell and Antony Hamilton.

I Am-ness explores the convergence of the moving body and creative mind. I wanted to revisit the powerful and emotive work of Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks, who previously featured in my full-length work ab [intra]. His music creates a tender backdrop as our four dancers canvass the very nature of existence across the stage.

Upcoming Artistic Director of Danish Dance Theatre, Marina Mascarell is a renowned international artist and the first international choreographer we have had the opportunity to commission in six years. Her new work The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird will be her first ever in Australia and features a host of incredible Australian collaborators, including composer Nick Wales, set and costume designers Lauren Brincat and Leah Giblin, and lighting designer Damien Cooper. It has been such a joy welcoming Marina to the Studio and seeing this sensational collaboration come to life.

Originally premiering with Sydney Dance Company in 2018 and recipient of the Helpmann Award for Best Choreography in 2019, I am thrilled to bring Antony Hamilton’s Forever & Ever back to the stage to round off this season. Set to a sonically stimulating score by The Presets’ Julian Hamilton, this boundary-pushing work fuses dance, techno, high fashion and vivid lighting to hypnotic effect.

Continuing to share inspiring contemporary dance experiences with audiences near and far is only possible with the ongoing commitment of our Board, Partners and supporters. I sincerely thank you for allowing us to keep doing what we love every single day.

I particularly thank the Carla Zampatti Foundation, the Neilson Foundation and the 2023 Carla Zampatti Commissioning Fund donors for their generous support of this season. I would also sincerely like to thank the Naomi Milgrom Foundation as Artistic Director’s Commissioning Partner of Forever & Ever in 2018 – we are delighted to see the journey of this work continue across Australia in 2023.

I am truly in awe of the dedication and passion that every artist has brought to the creation of this triple bill season. I can’t wait for you to experience the powerhouse that is Ascent on stage.

Rafael Bonachela Artistic Director

I Am-ness

Rafael Bonachela

15 mins

Pause

Please remain seated

The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird

Marina Mascarell

26 mins

Interval

Forever & Ever

Antony Hamilton

36 mins