'Everyday Requiem' is the seventh and final signature work from Expressions Dance Company’s (EDC) Artistic Director Natalie Weir, who has decided to step down from the role after leading the Brisbane-based contemporary dance company for a decade.
Combining the talents of EDC’s stable of dancers with the choral prowess of The Australian Voices and WaW – a dance group for women aged 50 and over – this production celebrates the highs and lows of one ordinary man (acclaimed Brisbane performer Brian Lucas) as he revisits the memories that have created the story of his life.
Gordon Hamilton’s original score is given enormous scope by the singers who deliver snippets of the original Latin text in a cappella while also reciting a list of dates, times, places and events that are markers of a life well-lived. Gordon’s clever score pushes the boundaries and the vocal capabilities of his singers, using unfamiliar vocal techniques including gargling while singing, whispering, shouting and even shivering. Each technique produces unique sounds that really add to the aural landscape.
As always, Natalie Weir’s choreography is intensely physical and profoundly passionate and as the story unfolds we get insights into each chapter of The Old Man’s life and relationships through the demanding floor-work and ensemble pieces.
Image © David Kelly
Bill Haycock’s stage design is sparse but the handful of props – including tables that are manoeuvred into position during a fight scene - were skilfully used by dancers Scott Ewen (The Brother) and Richard Causer who plays the role of the pensive Mature Man, lending his considerable talent to the production.
The lighting design by David Walters focused the audience’s attention when and where it was needed – guiding the viewer's eye to key movements or to the singers during the recitals.
New Zealand born Jag Popham dances as the man’s infant and childhood self, executing the moves with a delightful childlike mischievousness. The tender interaction between Jag and The Australian Voices’ Sophie Bannister (who sings and dances) is in stark contrast to the bellicose relationship he has with his brother.
Jake McLarnon, who only became an EDC company member last year, takes on two demanding roles as The Adolescent and Young Man, dancing with the hugely talented Isabella Hood (The Young Love) and later with Lizzie Vilmanis (The Wife) who replaced cast member Elise May who unfortunately sustained an injury prior to the show.
Image © David Kelly
Alana Sargent, another New Zealander recruited by the company, delivers a particularly powerful performance as the grieving Daughter using The Mother’s robe to great effect in a hauntingly beautiful solo.
The opening night performance was interrupted by a fire alarm which meant the theatre had to be evacuated – but despite this, the performers returned and picked up where they’d left off minimising the disruption.
'Everyday Requiem' is emotional, relevant and at times even melancholic, but like much of Natalie Weir’s work, it continues to reverberate long after house lights dim. This production marks a triumphant finale for Natalie and the standing ovation was as much for the cast as for the woman herself.
