In celebration of Canberra’s 100th birthday, the Australian Ballet (AB) will be presenting a mixed bill entitled “Symmetries” at the Canberra Theatre, from 23-25 May.
The AB’s present to Canberra is a brand new work by Australian Dance Theatre’s Garry Stewart, entitled Monument. Created on 19 of the dancers, Monument is an ode to one of Australia’s most important and iconic building – Parliament House. Complementing Monument will be two modern classics - George Balanchine's The Four Temperaments and the pas de deux from After the Rain, by Christopher Wheeldon.
There is much excitement around Stewart’s work, which has been especially co-commissioned by the Centenary of Canberra as part of its year-long celebrations. “This was the challenge I threw out to David and Garry – could there be a new ballet to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Parliament House, and could it be about the architecture of that iconic building?” says Creative Director of the Centenary of Canberra program, Robyn Archer. “I’m so proud that they took up the challenge with such energy. The Australian Ballet is making a superb contribution to the Centenary of Canberra.”
The AB’s artistic director, David McAllister, is just as excited about the commission. “This is the first time Garry has choreographed for us and it’s a great combination of an interesting subject matter, Garry’s distinctive phrasings and our dancers’ interpretations come together in a work that will be uniquely Australian,” he says.
As part of his research for Monument, Stewart spent time with Aldo Giurgola, the chief architect of Parliament House, who was able to give him a personal tour and a detailed history of the building’s evolution. In bringing his vision to life, Stewart is joined by Canberra-born composer Hugh Benjamin and costume designer Mary Moore.
Karen Nanasca in Monument from the Symmetries program. Photo: Georges Antoni.
Karen Nanasca & Brett Chynoweth in Monument from the Symmetries program. Photo: Georges Antoni.
