REVIEW | Tantrum for 6

Absurd, electric, and visually enthralling, Tantrum for 6 is a wild storm of movement, humour, and technical precision that leaves its audience breathless. Choreographed by the visionary Harrison Ritchie-Jones, this contemporary dance work subverts expectations, merging surreal storytelling with high-energy choreography, inventive lighting, and cutting-edge technology.

From the moment the lights dim, the audience is thrust into a parallel world where six dancers—Anika De Ruyter, Rebecca Jensen, Harrison Ritchie-Jones, Georgia Rudd, Oliver Savariego, and Michaela Tancheff—exist as beings born from a thunderstorm. Their connection is undeniable, moving in perfect sync with a blend of raw instinct and ethereal grace. There is an undeniable joy in their movement, as if their bodies are discovering the sheer exhilaration of existence for the first time. This sense of discovery, mixed with a controlled chaos, forms the beating heart of the work.

This performance is a breathtaking display of athleticism, precision, and trust. The choreography is both fluid and powerful, showcasing the dancers’ remarkable control and strength. Partner work features prominently, with bodies folding, lifting, and supporting in unexpected ways. The execution feels effortlessly balanced, as dancers of all sizes share the weight and challenge traditional ideas of strength. Unpredictability keeps the audience engaged, shifting seamlessly between high-energy ensemble work and intimate moments. The ebb and flow of chaos and control mirror the storm that brought them to life, making for a riveting experience.

While this production explores complex themes of existence, connection, and transformation, it never takes itself too seriously. The performance is threaded with laugh-out-loud comedic moments, demonstrating Ritchie-Jones’ clear affinity for the absurd, using voice-changing software to distort spoken dialogue, adding an almost cartoonish element. This use of live projection and manipulated voice work brings an additional layer of dynamism to the piece, altering the energy of the performance in unexpected and delightful ways.

Props also play a key role in shaping the work’s distinct aesthetic. The mobile phone, a seemingly mundane object, becomes a device of curiosity, interaction, and connection, adding a contemporary touch to the primal physicality of the dancers. Later in the performance, the use of talcum powder introduces a new textural dimension—bodies glide, slide, and move with a quality that feels visceral. The powder lingers in the air, catching the light, transforming the stage into a dreamscape.

Ashley Buchanan’s lighting design is integral, heightening the mood and energy of the piece with remarkable nuance. This shifting illumination mirrors the emotional tides of the performance, guiding the audience through moments of euphoria, vulnerability, and chaos. Colour is another defining feature, not only in the lighting but also in the costume design of Andrew Treloar. Each dancer is distinguished by a specific palette, allowing the audience to form a deeper connection with their individual personalities. This visual thread weaves the performers together, reinforcing the theme of interconnectedness while providing a striking aesthetic continuity.

In Tantrum for 6, Harrison Ritchie-Jones has crafted a work that is equal parts playful and profound, visually striking and physically demanding. It is a dance performance that defies easy categorisation, instead carving out its own unique space where comedy, chaos, and control collide to create something truly special. With its inventive use of technology, compelling choreography, and masterful integration of lighting and design, this production is a shining example of why Melbourne’s independent dance scene continues to thrive.

Presented as part of the Darebin Arts Speakeasy program, Tantrum for 6 is playing at Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre from 12th – 22nd February. For more information or to book tickets please visit https://arts.darebin.vic.gov.au/Programs-and-opportunities/Programs/Speakeasy-presentations/TANTRUM-for-6