AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre Unveils uNCOILEd eXposed 2024

AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre is thrilled to announce the return of its acclaimed residency project, uNCOILEd eXposed, for its fourth annual season. Running from October 17th to 19th at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (IPAC), this year’s event promises to be a showcase of innovative choreography and exceptional talent.

 The season features three new experimental pieces from emerging choreographers: Fiona Larkin, Elizabeth Arifien, and Mara Glass. Each piece represents the culmination of a residency, which provides artists with the time, space, and resources to develop and present a new work.

 Recently moving to the Illawarra from the UK, Elizabeth Arifien, offers Chapter Chasing Chapters (working title), an emotive performance interwoven with digital elements. Arifien’s work creates a collage of rediscovered moments, blending physical and digital storytelling to evoke deep emotional responses. Arifien is an internationally acclaimed film director and choreographer. “My choreographic style is multilayered, using other art forms to enrich movement and storytelling,” explains Arifien.

 Mara Glass contributes A Universe in Tiny Form, inspired by the work of Japanese artist Hiroyuki Doi. Glass’s piece examines the relationship between grief and obsession, reflecting on Doi’s lifelong practice of circle drawings as a means of coping. “I start with a framework but let the dancers’ voices and experiences shape the work,” says Glass. “This piece is a reflection of both personal and collective perspectives emphasising different experiences of grief, through artistic collaboration with the AUSTI dancers.”

 AUSTI. Company Artist Fiona Larkin presents Collide (working title), a dynamic exploration of energy transfers through contemporary movement and partnerwork. Drawing from principles of elastic and inelastic collisions, Larkin’s piece delves into how dancers can navigate space with both constant and interrupted momentum. “Collide is an exploration of collisions and momentum in dance,” says Larkin. “The work is a result of improvisational exploration and task-based creation, to generate advanced partnering moments.”

 uNCOILEd eXposed is the Illawarra’s first-ever curated, outcome-based contemporary dance residency project. It’s dedicated to nurturing fresh voices in the dance community while honouring the memory of Nicole Fitzsimons, a dear friend of Artistic Director Michelle Maxwell and supporter of AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre.

 The performances will be held at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (IPAC), offering audiences an opportunity to experience cutting-edge dance and support the next generation of choreographers. Tickets are available through the IPAC box office and online at www.ipac.org.