Australia’s first mainstage dance work directed by an artist living with Down syndrome will tour nationally this year, in a landmark moment for inclusive practice in contemporary performance.
Lighting the Dark, directed by Chris Dyke and commissioned by Dancenorth Australia, is believed to be the first full-length mainstage dance work in Australia, and potentially the world, to be directed by an artist living with Down syndrome.
The work draws on Dyke’s personal heroes – Batman, Superman, David Bowie, Queen and Banksy – figures who, as he describes it, “work in the darkness” to create light for others. For Dyke, the project is both celebratory and personal.
“My heroes all work in the darkness – some fighting injustice and defending those who need it, and others making beautiful music and artwork under cover of night – so others can enjoy the light,” he said. “These heroes reflect my own power back to me, and I hope everyone who sees the show will feel empowered by it, too.”
Following its world premiere at Brisbane Festival and preview season in Gurambilbarra (Townsville) in 2024, the production now embarks on a seven-stop national tour across Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Dancenorth Co-Artistic Director Kyle Page described Dyke as “such a creative force”, noting the clarity and instinct he brought to his first full-length ensemble work.
“Chris has challenged us to break from our ‘typical’ methods for creating work and embrace a radically divergent creative process,” Page said. “What’s unfolded is a deeply moving and authentic dance work that embraces colour, chaos and connection, and invites audiences to engage in a way that is very rare for contemporary dance.”
The 2026 tour opens at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat on 14 March before travelling to Geelong, Melbourne, Hobart, Alice Springs, Karratha and Busselton.
For Dyke, the ambition extends beyond the tour itself.
“I’m delighted to promote a culture of inclusion and aim to take Lighting the Dark all over the world – New York, London, Hong Kong, everywhere – for everyone to enjoy the love we share.”