Triptych

Triptych came to life as a collaboration between Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela and esteemed vocalist Katie Noonan to set Les Illuminations by composer Benjamin Britten to dance. In its new iteration, this program in three parts showcases, with incredible sensitivity and a quiet theatricality, the incredible variations in the movement of the human body when reflecting music. Benjamin Britten's compositions take their cues from the emotional depths and stylistic execution of poetry, most notably that of Arthur Rimbaud, and this program joyously succeeds in celebrating his legacy.

In part one, Simple Symphony, a playfulness and lightness introduces the dancers, a sensibility wonderfully tempered by part two, Les Illuminations. Katie Noonan's powerful and expertly controlled vocals (sung in French) complements the drama and intimacy between the dancers as various pairs emerge and regress from the space. Part three, Variation 10 sees a more interpretive and angular sensibility arrive in the ensemble. As dancers weave in and out of group movements to partnered pieces, designer Toni Maticevski's costumes really open up to the mood of the performance. Men in grey wear feathered tulle bustles that give the impression of bird flight and women are draped in the same, this time in more traditional ballerina skirts.

The ACO Collective, again collaborating with Sydney Dance Company are masterful, led by guest violinist Thomas Gould, whose synchronicity with Noonan is a delight to experience. Triptych presents an effortless collaboration of dance, voice and music and this new work by the masterful Bonachela is certainly not to be missed.