Jarryd Madden and Amy Harris
Photo Daniel Boud
Zachary Lopez and Lilla Harvey in THE HUM
Photo Daniel Boud
Amy Harris and Jarryd Madden in Paragon
Photo Daniel Boud
Evoking a search for cultural perpetuity, THE HUM is a new dance-theatre work created by Daniel Riley, Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre. Centred upon the tangible yet invisible creative connection between performers, orchestra and audience, this work will unite artists of Australian Dance Theatre and The Australian Ballet in a never-before-seen collaboration.
THE HUM celebrates a resonance between our musicians, our dancers and the swell of our land, celebrating the idea of the individual artist as part of a broader creative ecosystem of shared knowledge, emotion and energy.
“ [THE HUM]...It’s one of the most outstanding dance scores by a living composer I’ve heard: drama-filled, melodic and showcasing a mastery of musical structure and storytelling. ”The Sydney Morning Herald
A historic performance
Paragon is a diamond anniversary gift created by Resident Choreographer Alice Topp to commemorate The Australian Ballet's rich history of artistic vibrancy, thirst for creativity, unique homegrown accent and the artists that have shaped ballet in Australia.
This new work welcomes some of our company’s most iconic former dancers back to the stage to dance alongside current company dancers, in an emotional tribute that honours the company’s 60-year history.
Paragon is a contemporary work that challenges and moves audiences in a journey embodying the heart and soul of The Australian Ballet.
“ [Paragon]… is worth watching for the 12 Australian Ballet legends – Topp describes them as “ballet royalty” – who’ve come out of retirement to perform. ”The Sydney Morning Herald
“ Two world premieres see Daniel Riley break new ground, while Alice Topp rejoices in our national company's diamond anniversary. ”Limelight | ★★★★
"Daniel Riley and Alice Topp are two of Australia’s leading choreographic voices. They both explore what identity means to them, whether it be the identity of Australia, the identity of community, or the identity of art. In honour of our 60th anniversary, we look at the sense of identity in today’s artists."
Fiona Tonkin and Adam Bull in 'Paragon'
Photo Daniel Boud
David McAllister in 'Paragon'
Photo Daniel Boud
Amy Harris and Jarryd Madden in 'Paragon' Photo Daniel Boud
Dancers of The Australian Ballet in 'Paragon' Photo Daniel Boud
Dancers of Australian Dance Theatre and The Australian Ballet in 'THE HUM' Photo Daniel Boud
Dancers of Australian Dance Theatre and The Australian Ballet in 'THE HUM'
Photo Daniel Boud
Lilla Harvey and Karra Nam in 'THE HUM' Photo Daniel Boud
Sebastian Geilings and Coco Mathieson in 'THE HUM' Photo Daniel Boud
Fiona Tonkin and Adam Bull in 'Paragon'
Photo Daniel Boud
David McAllister in 'Paragon'
Photo Daniel Boud
Amy Harris and Jarryd Madden in 'Paragon' Photo Daniel Boud
Dancers of The Australian Ballet in 'Paragon' Photo Daniel Boud
Dancers of Australian Dance Theatre and The Australian Ballet in 'THE HUM' Photo Daniel Boud
Dancers of Australian Dance Theatre and The Australian Ballet in 'THE HUM'
Photo Daniel Boud
Lilla Harvey and Karra Nam in 'THE HUM' Photo Daniel Boud
Sebastian Geilings and Coco Mathieson in 'THE HUM' Photo Daniel Boud
Fiona Tonkin and Adam Bull
Photo Christopher Rodgers-Wilson
Celebrating our 60th birthday with a very special production that unites former company members and icons of the dance world with current dancers in the emotional and moving piece titled, Paragon.
Deborah Cheetham-Fraillon
Photo Jonathan van der Knaap
In this interview, Deborah Cheetham-Fraillon AO talks about her process of creating music, composing for THE HUM and what Identity means to her.
Concept and Director Daniel Riley
Associate Director Sarah-Jayne Howard
Choreography Daniel Riley, in collaboration with cast
Music Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO
Costume design Annette Sax, Tuangurung
Adornments Priscilla Reid-Loynes and Sarah Loynes Gamilaroi Ularoi
Set and lighting design Matthew Adey from House of Vnholy
Commissioned by The Australian Ballet, choreographed by Daniel Riley in association with Australian Dance Theatre.
Choreography Alice Topp
Creative Assistant Jayden Hicks
Composer Christoper Gordon
Costume design Aleisa Jelbart
Set and lighting design Jon Buswell
Audio Visual Editor Arlo Dean Cook
For the complete list of images used in Paragon, please visit Paragon Image Credits
Melbourne
With Orchestra Victoria
Sydney
With Opera Australia Orchestra
Identity is generously supported by the Kenneth R Reed Fund, The Robert and Elizabeth Albert Music Fund and The Dame Margaret Scott Fund.
