Nocturnal

Nocturnal is a brand-new contemporary dance work, choreographed and presented by Brooke Leeder and Dancers. This very dark piece, obviously set at night, is dark in costuming, set and lighting - an intriguing piece with elements of secrecy, nightmares, and self-reflection.

Performed by four talented dancers with excellent rapport and synchronicity - Scott Eistermann, Nadia Priolo, Tyrone Earl Lrae Robinson and Natassija Morrow - the four are dressed in black, and perform against black curtains on a black floor, with dark props and furnishing, accentuating the theme of night.

The soundscape is both eclectic and intriguing and at times almost disordinate. It features a wide variety of genres from ballet music and traditional opera, through almost tribal drumming, which much of the music original composition by Louis Frere-Harvey.

Kirstie Smith’s lighting design, while on the dark side, is almost a show of its own - highly creative and beautiful in its own right.

Of course, the real attraction is the talent of this cast of four dancers, whose flexibility and focus is particularly strong. The storyline is certainly up for interpretation, but this rapidly changing piece keeps s audience fascinated throughout.

Running at a little under an hour, Nocturnal, is a highly entertaining work that will appeal both to lovers of contemporary dance, and those looking for something a little different.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Hannah Bethany Lauren