Adelaide-based Restless Dance Theatre is Australia’s multi-award winning company working with artists with and without disability.
The Company will present the world premiere of 'Naturally' – a double bill directed by Michelle Ryan and Emma Stokes featuring both the Restless Youth Ensemble and the Senior Ensemble.
Restless has always had a fascination with what it means to be human and how individuals interact with each other. 'Naturally' comprises of 'Touched' directed by Michelle Ryan and 'What’s A Nice Girl Like You Doing In A Place Like This?' directed by Emma Stokes – bringing to the stage 21 charismatic performers from 17-53 years old. Themes of love and attraction are explored through the rawness of animalistic behaviours through to the gentleness of a shared secret.
Emma Stokes has penned a letter about what Restless Dance Theatre means to her:There are three places that I figuratively call home. Myponga Beach holds my childhood memories and the sand that I grew up on. Sheshader (on the Isle of Lewis) is where I feel linked to my ancestors and the land and sea they lived, worked and died on. My third and newly recognised home is Restless Dance Theatre. It's the people, not the place in this instance. They light up a dull week, inspire my creativity and have given me the opportunity to create 'What's A Nice Girl Like You Doing In A Place Like This?'
On the first day we came together, I brought a box with me. A beautifully painted, oriental wooden box. I said to them all, “nothing we write or talk about leaves this space, unless we want it to. We'll put it in this box until we're ready.”
We filled the box with stories, shared experiences, tears and topics we wanted to explore. Over the weeks the box became less important until we forgot about it all together. It sat in the boot of my car for a while. We didn't need it anymore. We trusted each other already.
On the first day we came together, I brought a box with me. A beautifully painted, oriental wooden box. I said to them all, “nothing we write or talk about leaves this space, unless we want it to. We'll put it in this box until we're ready.”
We filled the box with stories, shared experiences, tears and topics we wanted to explore. Over the weeks the box became less important until we forgot about it all together. It sat in the boot of my car for a while. We didn't need it anymore. We trusted each other already.
Some stories they told I could relate to. Navigating relationships can be tricky for everyone. To purposely put yourself in a vulnerable position takes courage. Many of them have that courage. The bravery to put themselves out there, to tell someone how they feel, to tell them what they want. The confusing part therein lies in the return. How do we manage their interest, love or rejection? My favourite times were when one of you would clarify our discussion in one sentence. We'd all sit in our circle of trust and let it settle over us.
I feel privileged to have been the one to hear your stories. I feel honoured that you've trusted me to merge them into movement. I was always aware that the show was a platform to share your experiences but I realise I've shared mine too. We're all looking for something... nothing fancy... just romantic.
They say home is where the heart is, and at 'Restless', we've got heaps of heart.
– Emma Stokes
I feel privileged to have been the one to hear your stories. I feel honoured that you've trusted me to merge them into movement. I was always aware that the show was a platform to share your experiences but I realise I've shared mine too. We're all looking for something... nothing fancy... just romantic.
They say home is where the heart is, and at 'Restless', we've got heaps of heart.
– Emma Stokes
'Naturally: A Double Bill' performs Odeon Theatre 13-21 November.
