두물머리 Dumulmeori (where two rivers meet) is a collection of four contemporary dance works by artists from Korea and Australia. Curated by Brendan O’Connell, the evening explores what happens when different movement languages share the same stage. Rather than blending into one, each work maintains its individuality, like two rivers meeting but never losing their own current.
The first piece, performed by Korean artist Chosul Kim, is both striking and intimate. Dancing with a cord attached to his belly, Kim moves between tension and release, entangling and freeing himself in turns. The imagery suggests human connection, perhaps the relationship between parent and child, or the emotional ties that are difficult to break. His movement flows with sensitivity and control, revealing both strength and fragility.
The second work, by Australian artist Alisdair Macindoe, is the highlight of the night. Projected text on the wall gives real-time movement instructions, which Macindoe interprets with sharp precision and humour. The relationship between language and movement becomes a kind of conversation. The choreography feels both robotic and expressive, mixing contemporary technique with flashes of street dance rhythm. It’s clever, unexpected, and genuinely engaging.
The third piece, from Australian artist Michelle Heaven, shifts the focus to light and shadow. Using an overhead projector and various props, she builds a simple but layered visual world. Her body and shadow interact in ways that blur reality and reflection. When she finally packs her equipment away, her movement vocabulary remains intricate and thoughtful, carrying a sense of curiosity and closure.
The final work, by Korean artist Haneul Jung, takes place under a single downlight that grows brighter and then fades. Her movement has a bird-like quality, quick and fluttering before softening into stillness. The shifting light frames her body in a delicate way, highlighting the quiet moments of transition. While the intention behind the work feels less defined, the visual image of a body moving in and out of light is memorable and beautifully composed.
두물머리 Dumulmeori (where two rivers meet) does not attempt to merge Korean and Australian styles into one. Instead, it celebrates their differences. Each artist brings their own rhythm, structure, and sense of space. Together, they remind us that dance is a universal language spoken with many accents, each shaped by its own culture and experience.
The pacing of the evening feels right, with each piece given room to breathe and smooth transitions between works. The audience remains attentive throughout, absorbed by the shifting tone and texture of each performance.
두물머리 Dumulmeori (where two rivers meet) was presented by Melbourne Fringe, Dancehouse and Brendan O’Connell. For more information, visit https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/%EB%91%90%EB%AC%BC%EB%A8%B8%EB%A6%AC-dumulmeori-where-two-rivers-meet
