Queensland Ballet’s new work takes three very different pieces and combines them for a night that keeps the audience on its toes.
Now in its sixth year, 'Bespoke' takes three renowned Australian choreographers and asks them to produce three new, contemporary works. This year, the tapped choreographers were Remi Wörtmeyer, Paul Boyd and Natalie Weir.
Wörtmeyer’s 'Miroirs' opened the night, and was the world premiere of the piece. It drew on what audiences may view as classical ballet, but was updated. Not only incorporating modern dance movements, in 'Miroirs' men danced with men as well as women, and lifted and held each other with strength and tenderness. This taking of previous traditional ballet norms and modernising them was lovely to see. The effect was bolstered by gorgeous costume design, and a stark set, decorated only with glittering chains across the ceiling. The only music was played live on stage, by Daniel Le seated at a shining black grand piano. The whole effect was fluid, elegant and mesmerising.
Up next was 'Tartan' by Paul Boyd. A total departure from the elegant 'Miroirs', 'Tartan' was more of a Highland Scottish story brought to life. On stage, an elderly Scott complete with bright yellow kilt dreams about his youth. The dancers representing his story emerge and dance with him in a combination of Scottish dancing, ballet and modern dance. It tells the story of the older man’s life, and clearly captured the audience’s attention and hearts. It is also a great entry point for those unfamiliar with more classical ballet, as the story is easy to follow and delightful, in contrast to more abstract works.
The third piece and final piece, also presenting its world premiere, was Natalie Weir’s 'Four Last Songs'. In some ways, this was the least innovative. The dancers were, of course, extraordinary, and the work was divided into four parts, each with a different male-female couple. All males were dressed in beige, with each female partner in a different colour. Each set began with an image projected onto the backdrop, for example the beach, representing a different season or phase of life. It was a beautiful work, but in contrast to the previous two, didn’t challenge the audience’s expectations to the same degree.
