STATE

Chihiro Nomura and the dancers of West Australian Ballet in *Air and Other Invisible Forces.* Photo by Sergey Pevnev

New Contemporary Ballet Season for West Australian Ballet

STATE Triple Bill from June 24

West Australian Ballet is embarking on an ambitious new annual season of dynamic contemporary ballet opening with STATE at the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia on June 24.

This new triple bill features works from Graeme Murphy, Melanie Lane and Adam Alzaim.

Increasing the amount of seasons performed annually and time on-stage for dancers has long been part of Artistic Director Aurélien Scannella’s ambition for the Company.

“Dancers train their whole lives to be on-stage, and to now have another season gives them a new experience to shine and our audiences a new opportunity to escape, to feel and to express which is so important,” said Scannella.

“STATE is going to be a triple-bill of dynamic works, all I can say is don’t miss this thrilling new season,” continued Scannella.

Polly Hilton for *STATE*. Photo by Frances Andrijich and Wunderman Thompson

After its cancellation in 2020, iconic Australian Choreographer Graeme Murphy’s Air and Other Invisible Forces will be performed on the Heath Ledger stage, with a 45-minute excerpt of the acclaimed work. A dramatic and powerful piece driven by the intangibles and journeys into the unknown, West Australian Ballet is the only Company outside of Sydney Dance Company to have performed this piece.

Company dancer Adam Alzaim will choreograph his first work for the mainstage, after being a much-loved regular of West Australian Ballet’s annual creative showcase, Genesis. Alzaim will build off his previous works to bring GAINSBOURG, an original work inspired by French musician Serge Gainsbourg. The work will shine with energetic and intricate movement as Gainsbourg’s sensual voice resonates through Northbridge.

STATE will also feature a new creation from Helpmann Award nominee Javanese-Australian Choreographer Melanie Lane, who will collaborate with digital music creator CLARK on her premiere work, Slow Haunt. The work will re-imagine Romantic ballet, echoing the mythic talks of jilted lovers suspended between the real and supernatural worlds. The haunting depiction examines the themes of desire and vengeance in the 25-minute piece.

With just 10 performances in this multi-bill contemporary season, secure your tickets to see West Australian Ballet in their new annual contemporary season.