Queensland’s critically acclaimed Expressions Dance Company (EDC) will present its final world premiere for the year, Everyday Requiem at QPAC from Friday 12 to Saturday 20 October. Choreographed by EDC’s Artistic Director and Helpmann award-winning choreographer Natalie Weir in her final work with the company, the performance also features an all-vocal score sung by The Australian Voices and composed by Gordon Hamilton.
Natalie describes her latest work as a journey back in time, as seen through the memories of an ordinary old man, played by acclaimed dance and theatre artist and former EDC dancer, Brian Lucas. “It’s really a joyful and uplifting celebration of all our lives at all their wonderful stages, from childhood to old age … It’s an exploration of the small, personal things that make life precious and beautiful,” explains Natalie.
The production will have a distinctive Australian flavour, referencing more than 60 years commencing from the 1950s to modern-day Australia. “We’ll see snapshots of memorable moments throughout recent history. So I think this will make his story that much more relatable and real for the audience.” The production will also contain era-inspired costumes by Brisbane-based designer Bill Haycock. Describing the EDC dancers as “amongst the very best in the dance industry”, Natalie expresses how fortunate she feels to have high calibre professionals at her creative disposal. “I am so blessed. Having the opportunity to choreograph with these incredibly talented individuals enables us to offer audiences thrilling and inspiring moments of pure expression and artistry.”
Joining the EDC dancers on stage will be renowned vocal ensemble The Australian Voices, as they sing an acapella score composed by their Artistic Director Gordon Hamilton. Described as a “mixture of everyday sayings that indicate time passing – like lists and dates – and the profound.”, Gordon’s inspiration for the work was a mix of the choreographed movement and the concept and story of Everyday Requiem – moments from everyday life.
Weir has high praises for both Hamilton and the Australian voices, saying, “It’s hard to believe the incredibly full, complex sound they (The Australian Voices) create just using vocals, without any instrumental accompaniment.”
Readers also enjoyed this story on China’s classic dance sensation The Legend of Dunhuang.
