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Wildebeest & Valley

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by Janelle (subscribe)

I like to participate in life rather than be a spectator. Music, dancing, theatre, travelling, food, cycling and walking are some of my passions. Writing is an enjoyable pastime that allows me to share my experiences.

Event: 15/02/2018 - 17/02/2018

Come dance with me

Dance, theatre, drama, performance, music, beauty, strength

Gender stereotypes are questioned

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Two new dance works by choreographer Omer Backley-Astrachan will open the 2018 Dance Bites season at Riverside Theatres Parramatta. Both of the works are organic and fluid and it is hard to separate the music from the performance. The dancers are exposed on a dark empty stage dressed in simple basic unassuming costumes.

Wildebeest & Valley are original works to original compositions by Kieran Warner-Hunt and Timothy Constable. Riverside Theatre is home to the world premiere of Wildebeest which is a strong deeply moving piece that examines social and gender behaviour through an exploration of social interactions. The performers Chimney Steele-Prior, Naomi Hibberd, Allie Graham, Mason Peronchik and Sharon Backley-Astrachan show amazing control of their emotions and body movements.

Dance, theatre, modern, Parramatta, performance, contemporary

Image Heidrun Lohr

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The Australian premiere of Valley brings a piece that has evolved from a solo performance to a four-person ensemble since premiering at a 2017 dance festival in Tel Aviv. That being said each of the artists has their individual turn in the spotlight. Although this work examines solitude and vulnerability, I particularly enjoyed the connection and interaction of the performers, Sharon Backley-Astrachan, Allie Graham, Mathew Miyzad and Omer Barkley-Astrachan.

Dance, modern, cont, drama, power, theatre, performance

Image Heidrun Lohr

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This show would appeal to aficionados of contemporary dance but I don't think you have to totally understand the concepts to appreciate the beauty and power of the performances.