Impermanence
Sometimes out of disaster something astonishing arises. So it is with Impermanence. Initially conceived shortly after the Notre Dame fire in 2019 and then the further crisis of COVID 19, the piece explores ‘how easily things fall apart, even structures we imagine to be eternal, but also the fragility and impermanence of human life, the planet and human relationships’. (Rafael Bonachela - choreographer)
Set on a bare stage with a band of light extending across the back wall with the renowned Australian String Quartet sitting at the back, seventeen dancers take us on an amazing journey of destruction, building and unification.
What is extraordinary about this piece is the way the score marries with the music. As an audience member I was torn between watching the dancers and the quartet, both performances were riveting.
Rafael Bonachela’s choreography is a physical endurance test for the dancers. He explores the limits of the human body and how it interacts with other bodies. When not performing, the dancers prowl around the dance area waiting for their turn. As well as solos, there are many combinations including whole company sections. There is a real sense of ensemble watching the company dance, they all possess incredible technique but also real trust in each other.
The dancers are dressed simply in greys and browns to create a sense on ‘oneness’ thanks to Aleisa Jelbart’s economic designs. These ‘costumes’ allow for maximum movement and give each dancer the freedom needed. The string quartet are dressed in a similar way.
The union of dancers and music is matched by Damien Cooper’s atmospheric lighting. These all combine to create feelings of desolation, optimism and determination.
Bryce Dessner’s score for Impermanence is a choreographer’s dream! It is lush, gritty and stirring all at once. Integrated at the end of the piece is the moving song ‘Another World’ by Anohni. This serves to give us a sense of hope after destruction.
The Australian String Quartet play for an hour at an often-frenetic pace without seemingly turning a page thanks to an ingenious foot switch operated by violin I. Dale Barltrop (violin I), Francesca Hiew (violin II), Christopher Cartlidge (viola) and Michael Dahlenburg (cello) are to be congratulated on their stamina, technique and ability to play ‘as one’. Their performance is faultless!
The audience reaction at the end of Permanence was a testament to the cast’s energy and dedication to the piece. The audience did not allow the company to leave with loud cheering and standing ovations.
Permanence is an outstanding piece of theatre featuring a unique merging of dance and music!
Barry Hill
Photographer: Pedro Greig
Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.