★★★★ 1/2 “A hypnotically beautiful work, stunningly performed by the Company’s 17 dancers to music that is visceral and moving” – Limelight
Overview
Dates
16 – 27 February
Location
Roslyn Packer Theatre Walsh Bay, Sydney
Duration
65 minutes (approx.)
National Tour
10 March – 14 August
Warnings
Theatrical haze and strobe-like effects during the performance.
★★★★ “Dance moves for the end of the world… Choreographer Rafael Bonachela sets his excellent dancers on a whirling, bounding trajectory…” – The Sydney Morning Herald
A visceral and thrilling exploration of the juxtaposition of beauty and devastation, Sydney Dance Company’s full-length work, Impermanence is Rafael Bonachela’s newest creation.
Contemporary composer, Bryce Dessner has created a new score full of emotional power. Best known as a founder of American rock band The National and for his film scores for The Revenant and The Two Popes, Dessner was initially inspired by the tragedy of the Australian bush fires and the Notre-Dame fire in Paris. The full power of Sydney Dance Company’s ensemble is joined live on stage by the Australian String Quartet. This is an epic, driven performance that packs an emotional punch.
When COVID-19 struck in March 2020, Impermanence was only four days from its world premiere and opening night. After a tumultuous year, Sydney Dance Company bring it to the stage for the first time in 2021, now with added poignancy.
Experience the power of dance and music performed live together, laden with meaning, fleeting and vulnerable and from devastation, find energy, urgency, radiance and hope.
Download the Impermanence program here
Stream our new single ‘Emergency’ by Bryce Dessner, featuring the Australian String Quartet here. The full-length album ‘Impermanence / Disintegration’ will be out on 2 April via 37d03d.
The Sydney and Australian national performances of Impermanence are presented in association with the Australian String Quartet. Bryce Dessner’s music composition Impermanence is commissioned by the Australian String Quartet and Sydney Dance Company. This commission has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.
Commissioning Partners:
Araluen Arts Centre, Art House Wyong, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Canberra Theatre Centre, Capitol Theatre Tamworth, Civic Theatre (City of Newcastle), Darwin Entertainment Centre, Frankston Arts Centre, Glasshouse Port Macquarie, Griffith Regional Theatre, Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool, Mildura Arts Centre, Orange Civic Theatre, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Theatre Royal Hobart and Ulumbarra Theatre (Bendigo Venues & Events).
Choreographer: Rafael Bonachela
Composer: Bryce Dessner
Music Features: Another World by Anohni
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper
Stage Designer: David Fleischer
Costume Designer: Aleisa Jelbart
Australian String Quartet:
Dale Barltrop – Violin I
Francesca Hiew – Violin II
Christopher Cartlidge – Viola (Guest)*
Michael Dahlenburg – Cello
*Christopher Cartlidge performs as guest violist with the ASQ for these performances. He appears courtesy of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Follow @SydneyDanceCo and #2021SDC on Facebook and Instagram.
Buy a Gift Voucher here.
Dates & Prices
Impermanence Sydney Dates
Tues 16 Feb, 7.30pm (Preview)
Wed 17 Feb, 7.30pm
Thurs 18 Feb, 7.30pm
Fri 19 Feb, 7.30pm
Sat 20 Feb, 2pm (Matinee)
Sat 20 Feb, 7.30pm
Tues 23 Feb, 6.30pm
Wed 24 Feb, 6.30pm
Thurs 25 Feb 12pm (Schools Matinee)
Thurs 25 Feb, 7.30pm
Fri 26 Feb, 7.30pm
Sat 27 Feb, 2pm (Matinee)
Sat 27 Feb, 7.30pm
Download the Impermanence program here
Impermanence National Tour Dates
10 March – 14 August
Click here for locations and to book.
Schools Matinee
To learn more click here.
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type / Time | Premium / A Res | B Res / C Res |
| Adult (Fri - Sat Eve) | $110 / $97 | $72 / $57 |
| Adult (Weeknights & Matinee) | $100 / $89 | $65 / 52 |
| Adult (Preview) | $72 / $65 | $48 / $39 |
| Conc (Fri - Sat Eve | NA / $87 | $62 / $50 |
| Conc (Weeknights & Matinee) | NA / $79 | $55 / $50 |
| Conc (Preview) | NA / $55 | $39 / $39 |
| U30 Years (Weeknights & Matinee) | NA / $69 | $45 / $45 |
| U30 Years (Preview) | NA / $45 | $39 / $39 |
| U20 Years (Weeknights & Matinee) | NA / $35 | $35 / $35 |
| U20 Years (Preview) | NA / $45 | $39 / $39 |
| Schools Matinee | Learn more in the link above |
Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket seller for Annual Subscriptions is Sydney Dance Company.
The only authorised ticket sellers for Single Tickets are Sydney Dance Company, Roslyn Packer Theatre, Ticketmaster and Today Tix. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. Please note, only authorised ticket seller purchases should be considered valid. In accordance with Terms and Conditions, Sydney Dance Company reserves the right to cancel tickets purchased from a Third Party Website (reseller). The new ticket holder may be refused admission to the event. For more information on purchasing tickets safely and securely, read Live Performance Australia’s Safe Tix Guide here.
Meet Rafael & The Dancers
Audience & Media
★★★★ “Dance moves for the end of the world… Choreographer Rafael Bonachela sets his excellent dancers on a whirling, bounding trajectory that sustains them in duets, trios and interestingly constructed ensembles…” – The Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★ 1/2 “A hypnotically beautiful work, stunningly performed by the Company’s 17 dancers to music that is visceral and moving” – Limelight
★★★★★ “The music alone is worth hearing live in concert and Bonachela’s choreography adds a whole other dimension to these collaborative contemplations of humanity for our times.” – ClassikON
“Extraordinary… Form and function meet seamlessly in every aspect — Bonachela’s huge, fast, juicy movement, Damien Cooper’s luscious lighting, David Fleischer’s imposing stage design and Aleisa Jelbart’s nature-inspired costumes, all in the tight embrace of Dessner’s score.” – The Australian
““A tear-jerker without being baroque, with a finger on the vein of our collective anxieties and dislocations, Impermanence is a triumph of collaboration and passion.” – The Arts Hub
“Moving and powerful, at-once capturing transience and fragility then strength and passion.” – Timeout
“Awareness of the impermanence of everything makes me feel that we must use every moment – that every moment counts – and that the transitory nature of life inspires a need for energy, urgency and radiance.” – Rafael Bonachela
“The dancers, wow. They are incredible, so talented. I love the physicality of them, and Rafael’s work really suits my music. The new piece is very much for them – definitely the musical language is inspired by the company itself even to the point that I was seeing those dancers in my mind as I composed… a stunning, inexplicable alchemy happens with the melding of movement and sound. A third art form is born.” – Bryce Dessner, The Australian
“There’s a certain sense of beauty about bringing something back, but also there’s this sense of regrowth and rebuilding on the experiences and perspectives of what we have all been through as people and as artists ourselves.” – Liam Green, Company dancer
“Impermanence was pure magic – fleeting – a moment in time of delicacy, softness, stillness and breath” – Alyssa Hanley, audience member.
“We have been twice now. So good!” – Selina Baxby, audience member.
“Unbelievable performance! We loved every minute – such superb choreography and amazingly talented dancers.” – Melanie Jane, audience member.
“We have a world top dance company in our very own city. We feel nourished by your art and it breathes sunshine and joy into our life. We so appreciate your generosity in a very personal way. We don’t quite get that feeling from any other dance companies.” – Michael P., Subscriber
Why Subscribe?
1. Best Seats – Enjoy priority booking and the best seats in the house.
2. Best Price – Save 15% on tickets to Impermanence and ab [intra].
3. Behind The Scenes – Experience the creative process and find out what life is like as a dancer.
4. Booking Fees Waived – Plus unlimited free ticket exchanges.
Cheat Sheet
5 reasons why you can’t miss the world premiere of Impermanence
1. WE’RE BACK!: This will be our first time performing live at Roslyn Packer Theatre since October 2019… and we cannot wait!
2. ICONIC SYDNEY HARBOUR LOCATION: Enjoy sublime summer evenings with a pre-theatre dinner on the water, followed by world-class dance in a premium venue.
3. GIVE THE GIFT OF CHOICE: Treat your loved one or friends to a memorable live experience. Let them choose a date in February to enjoy a night at the theatre with a Performance Voucher!
4. I SAW IT FIRST: Be the first to see the world premiere of Impermanence, an exhilarating work brought to life with the full power of the Company ensemble.
5. WORLD-CLASS COLLABORATIONS: Grammy award-winning composer Bryce Dessner’s (from The National) new score will be performed live by the formidable here.
Impermanence is approximately 70 minutes long with no interval.
WHAT IS IMPERMANENCE?
When COVID-19 struck in March 2020, Rafael Bonachela’s new work, Impermanence , was only four days from its world premiere and opening night. After a tumultuous year, Sydney Dance Company will perform it on stage for the first time in 2021, now with added poignancy of the impact of the pandemic bringing themes of transience and the fragility of existence to the forefront.
Originally inspired by the tragedy of the Australian bush fires and the Notre-Dame fire in Paris, contemporary composer Bryce Dessner’s music is performed live on stage by the Australian String Quartet. With the full power of Sydney Dance Company’s ensemble in exceptional form, Impermanence is an epic, heart-racing performance that packs an emotional punch.
READ: Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela on the long-awaited 2021 premiere of Impermanence.
WHO CREATED THE MOVEMENT?
Rafael Bonachela
“It is timely that Impermanence takes to the stage when our world is rocked by so much uncertainty. We reflect on the fragility and impermanence of human life, the planet and human relationships. This transience, so fleeting and vulnerable is the perfect subject for live performance.” Bonachela
Rafael Bonachela is originally from Barcelona. This year marks his 13th year as Artistic Director and resident choreographer at Sydney Dance Company. Since 2009, he has created 25 works for the Company’s repertoire. Read more.
FUN FACT: Bonachela choreographed Frame of Mind to one of Bryce Dessner’s existing scores in 2015. He invited Dessner to watch a run-through of the work in 2018, and this meeting sparked the next phase of their collaborative relationship.
WATCH: The Inspiration Behind Impermanence.
WHO CREATED THE MUSIC & WHAT WILL IT SOUND LIKE?
Bryce Dessner
“The dancers, wow. They are incredible, so talented. I love the physicality of them, and Rafael’s work really suits my music. The new piece is very much for them – definitely the musical language is inspired by the company itself even to the point that I was seeing those dancers in my mind as I composed.” Bryce Dessner
Bryce Dessner lives in Paris. The 2019 Notre Dame Fire instigated conversation between Dessner and Bonachela, and gave rise to the vision for Impermanence – to explore the ephemeral nature of all things and themes of transience and fragility.
The music score travels between languid sensuous movements and metronomic baroque-like music to haunting urgent, rapid staccato phrases, steadily driving the work forward. The spectrum of composition provides a rich and evocative musical backdrop for Bonachela’s physical exploration of the juxtaposition between beauty and devastation.
The Australian String Quartet and Sydney Dance Company co-commissioned Dessner to create the Impermanence score, which the Quartet will be performing live, accompanying the Company dancers.
FUN FACT: Dessner is a Grammy Award-winning, prolific classical and cinematic composer. His recent works include The Two Popes (Netflix) and The Revenant (starring Leonardo DiCaprio).
READ: Australian String Quartet’s Q&A on why performing Dessner’s new score is so special.
LISTEN: Anohni, the force behind the band Antony and the Johnsons, will feature in the climax of Bryce Dessner’s new emotional score for Impermanence, with her vocals from Another World.
WHAT WILL THE PERFORMANCES LOOK LIKE?
During the creation of Impermanence, Rafael sought to achieve a sense of radiance in the work. This informed the selection of a natural colour palette using soft, earthy tones and autumnal muted hues for the dancers’ and musicians’ costumes, using both structured lines and draping fabrics – a nod to ideas of regeneration and light.
The work is set against a white stage floor with a large white cloth screen that stretches from left to right across the stage, at a height of two metres above the floor and up to the ceiling. The bottom two metres expose the black stage wall at the back and serve as a window into another world. The combination of movement in both spaces represent temporal progression and impermanence, the idea that nothing is static, all things continue to morph and evolve.
The performance begins with an intimate first movement featuring the whole ensemble on stage. It then evolves into smaller groups, energetic duets and sensuous solos. As the work progress, the narrative and stage lighting become brighter. One section features simulated rain drops around the dancers accompanied by sound effects of gentle rainfall. This can be seen through the window of the stretched white cloth, and is later replaced by falling black ash, alluding to decay and change.
Finally, when the lighting is at its brightest, you’ll see simulated white snow falling, representing renewal, radiance and hope, followed by a heat-rendering virtuosic solo by Company dancer Liam Green, as lights close in around him and the work draws to an end.
FUN FACT: To produce the simulated raindrops our stage technicians created the effect with tiny pieces of clear plastic floating from the ceiling, while the black ash is made of ticker paper.
LIFE AS A DANCER
“There’s a certain sense of beauty about bringing something back, but also there’s this sense of regrowth and rebuilding on the experiences and perspectives of what we have all been through as people and as artists ourselves.” Liam Green, Company dancer on Impermanence.
There are 17 full-time dancers in Sydney Dance Company including one trainee. All dancers rehearse five days a week (six when required), commencing with a ballet or contemporary technique class at 9.30am, then rehearsals until 6pm. Rehearsals range from run-throughs of current repertoire to creating new work for upcoming seasons.
Many dancers also undertake additional training of their choice, such as cycling, swimming or cross training. Contemporary dancers often perform in bare feet or socks dyed to their skin tone, although you may see them wearing different footwear in some pieces. The dancers also see the Company physiotherapist a few times a week for tailored pre-hab sessions.
HOW DO DANCERS REMEMBER THE STEPS?
The term ‘choreography’ refers to a sequence of steps that become phrases and make up a dance piece. Like actors remembering their lines, dancers learn and remember these movement phrases during rehearsals so that they can perform them perfectly on stage.
To enable future casts to perform the piece, companies use a number of archival methods, including video-recording, passing it on from human to human (bringing back an original cast dancer to teach a new dancer), and taking notes that describe the intangible parts of the work, for example, ‘how it feels’. There is also choreology – various styles of dance notation which use visual symbols to represent an order of movement.
THE THEATRE
Roslyn Packer Theatre Walsh Bay is located at 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay. It is one of a number of industrial, heritage buildings converted into arts spaces along Sydney’s Harbour. Situated on the site of two old Bond Stores from the 1890s, the theatre took three years to build, opening in 2004.
From the beautiful bare brick walls to intact warehouse machinery, the rugged sandstone wall in the scene dock to wooden panels in the foyers made from timber salvaged from building demolished during the Walsh Bay development, the building speaks of its past.
The health and wellbeing of our audience is our highest priority and we have put a number of COVID-19 safety measures in place at Roslyn Packer Theatre. More information can be found here.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR
At this time, we request all our audience members to wear a face mask to attend our performances in adherence with state COVID-19 regulations as well as Roslyn Packer Theatre practices. Click here for their latest visitor’s safety information. In regard to a dress code, a contemporary dance crowd is diverse: anything from what you’d wear to see a band, through to smart casual or formal, is appropriate.
BEFORE AND AFTER THE SHOW
The newly refurbished Walsh Bay Arts Precinct has many restaurants and bars with stunning harbour views, where you can enjoy a meal and a drink before or after the show.
Venues include: Ventuno, Walsh Bay Crab House, Lotus Dumpling Bar, Walsh Bay Kitchen and more!
Read the Impermanence program here.
Share your Impermanence experience with #2021SDC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Visitor Safety
We are thrilled to welcome you back into the theatre. Your comfort and safety are of utmost importance to us and we want to ensure that when you see us perform in 2021 at the Roslyn Packer Theatre or Carriageworks, it will be an amazing and safe experience.
The safety procedures for this season will be in line with NSW Government health guidelines on the day of the performance and will be regularly updated. Please check the latest advice prior to your visit.
You will find the answers to some of your questions about attending performances at the Roslyn Packer Theatre below. If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 9221 4811. Information on attending performances at Carriageworks can be found here.
WHAT WE’RE DOING TO KEEP YOU SAFE AT THE ROSLYN PACKER THEATRE
Physically-distanced theatre seating: reduced theatre capacity, as required by NSW Government health guidelines.
Air-conditioning upgrade at Roslyn Packer Theatre: air-con filters have been upgraded to provide a higher level of air filtration at Roslyn Packer Theatre. Air flow in the venue is constantly monitored to ensure optimum intake of outside air is achieved (subject to humidity and temperature factors). As an extra measure, air-con ventilation will be increased for up to 2 hours both pre and post-performance to optimise a clean air environment. More enclosed spaces (like toilets) will have exhaust fans set to high to ensure optimum ventilation.
Enhanced daily cleaning regimes: including hourly sanitisation of frequently used spaces.
Handwashing facilities and sanitiser provided throughout the venue.
eTickets: for display on mobile phones to reduce contact and queuing at Box Office.
Flexible ticket exchanges: fully flexible exchange policy to allow you to exchange tickets if you are feeling unwell.
Cashless payments only: bring a credit or debit card for any on-site purchases.
Cloakrooms are closed: large bags and equipment will not be permitted in the auditorium so please don’t bring them with you. Store tall umbrellas in the tubs provided (at your own risk) and put short umbrellas in your bag.
Ticket holder contact tracing: all bookings require contact information from patrons before confirmation. At the venue, you will be required to check in using the state mandatory Service NSW App. Please look to our Privacy Policy and NSW government website for more information.
Staff training: all ushers have completed training to become COVID-19 safety marshals.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
Please don’t visit if you feel unwell, have experienced any cold or flu like symptoms in the past 14 days, are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, or have returned from overseas or a hotspot area. Err on the side of caution and contact us to arrange an alternative attendance date.
Wear a mask: a mask is required at all times whilst visiting the Roslyn Packer Theatre, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.
Practice good hand hygiene by cleaning your hands thoroughly with soap and water in the bathrooms and using the hand sanitising stations throughout the venue.
Practice social distancing while in the venue. Queue where indicated and follow staff instructions.
Download your eTicket and have it ready on your mobile phone for scanning as you enter the theatre.
On arrival, head straight to your designated seats. Waiting or congregating in the foyer area is not permitted.
Ensure your contact information is up to date. If you made the booking, collect the contact information of your guests and have their permission to share it if required.
Observe lift limits and allow less-mobile visitors to use elevators first.
Consider downloading the COVIDSafe app.
Visitors who do not comply with these conditions will not be admitted or will be asked to leave the venue to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff.
We look forward to welcoming you to the theatre and greatly appreciate your support and cooperation.
Overview
Dates
16 – 27 February
Location
Roslyn Packer Theatre Walsh Bay, Sydney
Duration
65 minutes (approx.)
National Tour
10 March – 14 August
Warnings
Theatrical haze and strobe-like effects during the performance.
★★★★ “Dance moves for the end of the world… Choreographer Rafael Bonachela sets his excellent dancers on a whirling, bounding trajectory…” – The Sydney Morning Herald
A visceral and thrilling exploration of the juxtaposition of beauty and devastation, Sydney Dance Company’s full-length work, Impermanence is Rafael Bonachela’s newest creation.
Contemporary composer, Bryce Dessner has created a new score full of emotional power. Best known as a founder of American rock band The National and for his film scores for The Revenant and The Two Popes, Dessner was initially inspired by the tragedy of the Australian bush fires and the Notre-Dame fire in Paris. The full power of Sydney Dance Company’s ensemble is joined live on stage by the Australian String Quartet. This is an epic, driven performance that packs an emotional punch.
When COVID-19 struck in March 2020, Impermanence was only four days from its world premiere and opening night. After a tumultuous year, Sydney Dance Company bring it to the stage for the first time in 2021, now with added poignancy.
Experience the power of dance and music performed live together, laden with meaning, fleeting and vulnerable and from devastation, find energy, urgency, radiance and hope.
Download the Impermanence program here
Stream our new single ‘Emergency’ by Bryce Dessner, featuring the Australian String Quartet here. The full-length album ‘Impermanence / Disintegration’ will be out on 2 April via 37d03d.
The Sydney and Australian national performances of Impermanence are presented in association with the Australian String Quartet. Bryce Dessner’s music composition Impermanence is commissioned by the Australian String Quartet and Sydney Dance Company. This commission has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.
Commissioning Partners:
Araluen Arts Centre, Art House Wyong, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Canberra Theatre Centre, Capitol Theatre Tamworth, Civic Theatre (City of Newcastle), Darwin Entertainment Centre, Frankston Arts Centre, Glasshouse Port Macquarie, Griffith Regional Theatre, Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool, Mildura Arts Centre, Orange Civic Theatre, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Theatre Royal Hobart and Ulumbarra Theatre (Bendigo Venues & Events).
Choreographer: Rafael Bonachela
Composer: Bryce Dessner
Music Features: Another World by Anohni
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper
Stage Designer: David Fleischer
Costume Designer: Aleisa Jelbart
Australian String Quartet:
Dale Barltrop – Violin I
Francesca Hiew – Violin II
Christopher Cartlidge – Viola (Guest)*
Michael Dahlenburg – Cello
*Christopher Cartlidge performs as guest violist with the ASQ for these performances. He appears courtesy of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Follow @SydneyDanceCo and #2021SDC on Facebook and Instagram.
Buy a Gift Voucher here.
Dates & Prices
Impermanence Sydney Dates
Tues 16 Feb, 7.30pm (Preview)
Wed 17 Feb, 7.30pm
Thurs 18 Feb, 7.30pm
Fri 19 Feb, 7.30pm
Sat 20 Feb, 2pm (Matinee)
Sat 20 Feb, 7.30pm
Tues 23 Feb, 6.30pm
Wed 24 Feb, 6.30pm
Thurs 25 Feb 12pm (Schools Matinee)
Thurs 25 Feb, 7.30pm
Fri 26 Feb, 7.30pm
Sat 27 Feb, 2pm (Matinee)
Sat 27 Feb, 7.30pm
Download the Impermanence program here
Impermanence National Tour Dates
10 March – 14 August
Click here for locations and to book.
Schools Matinee
To learn more click here.
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices: | Type / Time |
| Premium / A Res | |
| B Res / C Res | |
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices: | Adult (Fri - Sat Eve) |
| $110 / $97 | |
| $72 / $57 | |
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices: | Adult (Weeknights & Matinee) |
| $100 / $89 | |
| $65 / 52 | |
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices: | Adult (Preview) |
| $72 / $65 | |
| $48 / $39 | |
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices: | Conc (Fri - Sat Eve |
| NA / $87 | |
| $62 / $50 | |
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices: | Conc (Weeknights & Matinee) |
| NA / $79 | |
| $55 / $50 | |
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices: | Conc (Preview) |
| NA / $55 | |
| $39 / $39 | |
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices: | U30 Years (Weeknights & Matinee) |
| NA / $69 | |
| $45 / $45 | |
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices: | U30 Years (Preview) |
| NA / $45 | |
| $39 / $39 | |
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices: | U20 Years (Weeknights & Matinee) |
| NA / $35 | |
| $35 / $35 | |
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices: | U20 Years (Preview) |
| NA / $45 | |
| $39 / $39 | |
| Impermanence Sydney Ticket Prices: | Schools Matinee |
| Learn more in the link above | |
Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket seller for Annual Subscriptions is Sydney Dance Company.
The only authorised ticket sellers for Single Tickets are Sydney Dance Company, Roslyn Packer Theatre, Ticketmaster and Today Tix. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. Please note, only authorised ticket seller purchases should be considered valid. In accordance with Terms and Conditions, Sydney Dance Company reserves the right to cancel tickets purchased from a Third Party Website (reseller). The new ticket holder may be refused admission to the event. For more information on purchasing tickets safely and securely, read Live Performance Australia’s Safe Tix Guide here.
Meet Rafael & The Dancers
Audience & Media
★★★★ “Dance moves for the end of the world… Choreographer Rafael Bonachela sets his excellent dancers on a whirling, bounding trajectory that sustains them in duets, trios and interestingly constructed ensembles…” – The Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★ 1/2 “A hypnotically beautiful work, stunningly performed by the Company’s 17 dancers to music that is visceral and moving” – Limelight
★★★★★ “The music alone is worth hearing live in concert and Bonachela’s choreography adds a whole other dimension to these collaborative contemplations of humanity for our times.” – ClassikON
“Extraordinary… Form and function meet seamlessly in every aspect — Bonachela’s huge, fast, juicy movement, Damien Cooper’s luscious lighting, David Fleischer’s imposing stage design and Aleisa Jelbart’s nature-inspired costumes, all in the tight embrace of Dessner’s score.” – The Australian
““A tear-jerker without being baroque, with a finger on the vein of our collective anxieties and dislocations, Impermanence is a triumph of collaboration and passion.” – The Arts Hub
“Moving and powerful, at-once capturing transience and fragility then strength and passion.” – Timeout
“Awareness of the impermanence of everything makes me feel that we must use every moment – that every moment counts – and that the transitory nature of life inspires a need for energy, urgency and radiance.” – Rafael Bonachela
“The dancers, wow. They are incredible, so talented. I love the physicality of them, and Rafael’s work really suits my music. The new piece is very much for them – definitely the musical language is inspired by the company itself even to the point that I was seeing those dancers in my mind as I composed… a stunning, inexplicable alchemy happens with the melding of movement and sound. A third art form is born.” – Bryce Dessner, The Australian
“There’s a certain sense of beauty about bringing something back, but also there’s this sense of regrowth and rebuilding on the experiences and perspectives of what we have all been through as people and as artists ourselves.” – Liam Green, Company dancer
“Impermanence was pure magic – fleeting – a moment in time of delicacy, softness, stillness and breath” – Alyssa Hanley, audience member.
“We have been twice now. So good!” – Selina Baxby, audience member.
“Unbelievable performance! We loved every minute – such superb choreography and amazingly talented dancers.” – Melanie Jane, audience member.
“We have a world top dance company in our very own city. We feel nourished by your art and it breathes sunshine and joy into our life. We so appreciate your generosity in a very personal way. We don’t quite get that feeling from any other dance companies.” – Michael P., Subscriber
Why Subscribe?
1. Best Seats – Enjoy priority booking and the best seats in the house.
2. Best Price – Save 15% on tickets to Impermanence and ab [intra].
3. Behind The Scenes – Experience the creative process and find out what life is like as a dancer.
4. Booking Fees Waived – Plus unlimited free ticket exchanges.
Cheat Sheet
5 reasons why you can’t miss the world premiere of Impermanence
1. WE’RE BACK!: This will be our first time performing live at Roslyn Packer Theatre since October 2019… and we cannot wait!
2. ICONIC SYDNEY HARBOUR LOCATION: Enjoy sublime summer evenings with a pre-theatre dinner on the water, followed by world-class dance in a premium venue.
3. GIVE THE GIFT OF CHOICE: Treat your loved one or friends to a memorable live experience. Let them choose a date in February to enjoy a night at the theatre with a Performance Voucher!
4. I SAW IT FIRST: Be the first to see the world premiere of Impermanence, an exhilarating work brought to life with the full power of the Company ensemble.
5. WORLD-CLASS COLLABORATIONS: Grammy award-winning composer Bryce Dessner’s (from The National) new score will be performed live by the formidable here.
Impermanence is approximately 70 minutes long with no interval.
WHAT IS IMPERMANENCE?
When COVID-19 struck in March 2020, Rafael Bonachela’s new work, Impermanence , was only four days from its world premiere and opening night. After a tumultuous year, Sydney Dance Company will perform it on stage for the first time in 2021, now with added poignancy of the impact of the pandemic bringing themes of transience and the fragility of existence to the forefront.
Originally inspired by the tragedy of the Australian bush fires and the Notre-Dame fire in Paris, contemporary composer Bryce Dessner’s music is performed live on stage by the Australian String Quartet. With the full power of Sydney Dance Company’s ensemble in exceptional form, Impermanence is an epic, heart-racing performance that packs an emotional punch.
READ: Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela on the long-awaited 2021 premiere of Impermanence.
WHO CREATED THE MOVEMENT?
Rafael Bonachela
“It is timely that Impermanence takes to the stage when our world is rocked by so much uncertainty. We reflect on the fragility and impermanence of human life, the planet and human relationships. This transience, so fleeting and vulnerable is the perfect subject for live performance.” Bonachela
Rafael Bonachela is originally from Barcelona. This year marks his 13th year as Artistic Director and resident choreographer at Sydney Dance Company. Since 2009, he has created 25 works for the Company’s repertoire. Read more.
FUN FACT: Bonachela choreographed Frame of Mind to one of Bryce Dessner’s existing scores in 2015. He invited Dessner to watch a run-through of the work in 2018, and this meeting sparked the next phase of their collaborative relationship.
WATCH: The Inspiration Behind Impermanence.
WHO CREATED THE MUSIC & WHAT WILL IT SOUND LIKE?
Bryce Dessner
“The dancers, wow. They are incredible, so talented. I love the physicality of them, and Rafael’s work really suits my music. The new piece is very much for them – definitely the musical language is inspired by the company itself even to the point that I was seeing those dancers in my mind as I composed.” Bryce Dessner
Bryce Dessner lives in Paris. The 2019 Notre Dame Fire instigated conversation between Dessner and Bonachela, and gave rise to the vision for Impermanence – to explore the ephemeral nature of all things and themes of transience and fragility.
The music score travels between languid sensuous movements and metronomic baroque-like music to haunting urgent, rapid staccato phrases, steadily driving the work forward. The spectrum of composition provides a rich and evocative musical backdrop for Bonachela’s physical exploration of the juxtaposition between beauty and devastation.
The Australian String Quartet and Sydney Dance Company co-commissioned Dessner to create the Impermanence score, which the Quartet will be performing live, accompanying the Company dancers.
FUN FACT: Dessner is a Grammy Award-winning, prolific classical and cinematic composer. His recent works include The Two Popes (Netflix) and The Revenant (starring Leonardo DiCaprio).
READ: Australian String Quartet’s Q&A on why performing Dessner’s new score is so special.
LISTEN: Anohni, the force behind the band Antony and the Johnsons, will feature in the climax of Bryce Dessner’s new emotional score for Impermanence, with her vocals from Another World.
WHAT WILL THE PERFORMANCES LOOK LIKE?
During the creation of Impermanence, Rafael sought to achieve a sense of radiance in the work. This informed the selection of a natural colour palette using soft, earthy tones and autumnal muted hues for the dancers’ and musicians’ costumes, using both structured lines and draping fabrics – a nod to ideas of regeneration and light.
The work is set against a white stage floor with a large white cloth screen that stretches from left to right across the stage, at a height of two metres above the floor and up to the ceiling. The bottom two metres expose the black stage wall at the back and serve as a window into another world. The combination of movement in both spaces represent temporal progression and impermanence, the idea that nothing is static, all things continue to morph and evolve.
The performance begins with an intimate first movement featuring the whole ensemble on stage. It then evolves into smaller groups, energetic duets and sensuous solos. As the work progress, the narrative and stage lighting become brighter. One section features simulated rain drops around the dancers accompanied by sound effects of gentle rainfall. This can be seen through the window of the stretched white cloth, and is later replaced by falling black ash, alluding to decay and change.
Finally, when the lighting is at its brightest, you’ll see simulated white snow falling, representing renewal, radiance and hope, followed by a heat-rendering virtuosic solo by Company dancer Liam Green, as lights close in around him and the work draws to an end.
FUN FACT: To produce the simulated raindrops our stage technicians created the effect with tiny pieces of clear plastic floating from the ceiling, while the black ash is made of ticker paper.
LIFE AS A DANCER
“There’s a certain sense of beauty about bringing something back, but also there’s this sense of regrowth and rebuilding on the experiences and perspectives of what we have all been through as people and as artists ourselves.” Liam Green, Company dancer on Impermanence.
There are 17 full-time dancers in Sydney Dance Company including one trainee. All dancers rehearse five days a week (six when required), commencing with a ballet or contemporary technique class at 9.30am, then rehearsals until 6pm. Rehearsals range from run-throughs of current repertoire to creating new work for upcoming seasons.
Many dancers also undertake additional training of their choice, such as cycling, swimming or cross training. Contemporary dancers often perform in bare feet or socks dyed to their skin tone, although you may see them wearing different footwear in some pieces. The dancers also see the Company physiotherapist a few times a week for tailored pre-hab sessions.
HOW DO DANCERS REMEMBER THE STEPS?
The term ‘choreography’ refers to a sequence of steps that become phrases and make up a dance piece. Like actors remembering their lines, dancers learn and remember these movement phrases during rehearsals so that they can perform them perfectly on stage.
To enable future casts to perform the piece, companies use a number of archival methods, including video-recording, passing it on from human to human (bringing back an original cast dancer to teach a new dancer), and taking notes that describe the intangible parts of the work, for example, ‘how it feels’. There is also choreology – various styles of dance notation which use visual symbols to represent an order of movement.
THE THEATRE
Roslyn Packer Theatre Walsh Bay is located at 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay. It is one of a number of industrial, heritage buildings converted into arts spaces along Sydney’s Harbour. Situated on the site of two old Bond Stores from the 1890s, the theatre took three years to build, opening in 2004.
From the beautiful bare brick walls to intact warehouse machinery, the rugged sandstone wall in the scene dock to wooden panels in the foyers made from timber salvaged from building demolished during the Walsh Bay development, the building speaks of its past.
The health and wellbeing of our audience is our highest priority and we have put a number of COVID-19 safety measures in place at Roslyn Packer Theatre. More information can be found here.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR
At this time, we request all our audience members to wear a face mask to attend our performances in adherence with state COVID-19 regulations as well as Roslyn Packer Theatre practices. Click here for their latest visitor’s safety information. In regard to a dress code, a contemporary dance crowd is diverse: anything from what you’d wear to see a band, through to smart casual or formal, is appropriate.
BEFORE AND AFTER THE SHOW
The newly refurbished Walsh Bay Arts Precinct has many restaurants and bars with stunning harbour views, where you can enjoy a meal and a drink before or after the show.
Venues include: Ventuno, Walsh Bay Crab House, Lotus Dumpling Bar, Walsh Bay Kitchen and more!
Read the Impermanence program here.
Share your Impermanence experience with #2021SDC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Visitor Safety
We are thrilled to welcome you back into the theatre. Your comfort and safety are of utmost importance to us and we want to ensure that when you see us perform in 2021 at the Roslyn Packer Theatre or Carriageworks, it will be an amazing and safe experience.
The safety procedures for this season will be in line with NSW Government health guidelines on the day of the performance and will be regularly updated. Please check the latest advice prior to your visit.
You will find the answers to some of your questions about attending performances at the Roslyn Packer Theatre below. If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 9221 4811. Information on attending performances at Carriageworks can be found here.
WHAT WE’RE DOING TO KEEP YOU SAFE AT THE ROSLYN PACKER THEATRE
Physically-distanced theatre seating: reduced theatre capacity, as required by NSW Government health guidelines.
Air-conditioning upgrade at Roslyn Packer Theatre: air-con filters have been upgraded to provide a higher level of air filtration at Roslyn Packer Theatre. Air flow in the venue is constantly monitored to ensure optimum intake of outside air is achieved (subject to humidity and temperature factors). As an extra measure, air-con ventilation will be increased for up to 2 hours both pre and post-performance to optimise a clean air environment. More enclosed spaces (like toilets) will have exhaust fans set to high to ensure optimum ventilation.
Enhanced daily cleaning regimes: including hourly sanitisation of frequently used spaces.
Handwashing facilities and sanitiser provided throughout the venue.
eTickets: for display on mobile phones to reduce contact and queuing at Box Office.
Flexible ticket exchanges: fully flexible exchange policy to allow you to exchange tickets if you are feeling unwell.
Cashless payments only: bring a credit or debit card for any on-site purchases.
Cloakrooms are closed: large bags and equipment will not be permitted in the auditorium so please don’t bring them with you. Store tall umbrellas in the tubs provided (at your own risk) and put short umbrellas in your bag.
Ticket holder contact tracing: all bookings require contact information from patrons before confirmation. At the venue, you will be required to check in using the state mandatory Service NSW App. Please look to our Privacy Policy and NSW government website for more information.
Staff training: all ushers have completed training to become COVID-19 safety marshals.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
Please don’t visit if you feel unwell, have experienced any cold or flu like symptoms in the past 14 days, are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, or have returned from overseas or a hotspot area. Err on the side of caution and contact us to arrange an alternative attendance date.
Wear a mask: a mask is required at all times whilst visiting the Roslyn Packer Theatre, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.
Practice good hand hygiene by cleaning your hands thoroughly with soap and water in the bathrooms and using the hand sanitising stations throughout the venue.
Practice social distancing while in the venue. Queue where indicated and follow staff instructions.
Download your eTicket and have it ready on your mobile phone for scanning as you enter the theatre.
On arrival, head straight to your designated seats. Waiting or congregating in the foyer area is not permitted.
Ensure your contact information is up to date. If you made the booking, collect the contact information of your guests and have their permission to share it if required.
Observe lift limits and allow less-mobile visitors to use elevators first.
Consider downloading the COVIDSafe app.
Visitors who do not comply with these conditions will not be admitted or will be asked to leave the venue to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff.
We look forward to welcoming you to the theatre and greatly appreciate your support and cooperation.