Six unique works by three fabulous makers

FORM Dance Projects and Riverside Theatres are about to present "sixbythree", a festival of six dance works by three choreographers over three events.

This innovative lineup invites audience participation, from immersive experiences in a recreated old Western setting to intimate one-on-one "conversations" between dancers and audience members.

First of the three is Cowboy, a humorous solo contemporary-dance work, produced by Gold Coast-based The Farm, and with an original sound score composed by Ben Ely that transports us to the set of a Western film. The free-roaming audience explores intimate settings and vast, open landscapes in choreographer Michael Smith’s cowboy fantasy world.

“From surfing trains and taming horses to wandering the desert, Cowboy holds a deeper inquiry into the existence of a shared humanity beyond fantasy," explains Michael Smith. "By committing entirely to the iconography of a cowboy, I seek to expose desires and vulnerabilities that exist in our pursuit to form identity.” 

Quartette, a mixed dance bill of four works, is a collaboration between award-winning choreographer/director Lewis Major and his mentor, “Britain’s leading modern dance creator” (The DailyExpress), the legendary Russell Maliphant OBE. The unique repertoire pieces investigate poetic possibilities, universal rhythms and cycles performed by Major’s dancers and set in a lightscape which was compared to Gustav Klimt’s paintings (Maggie Tonkin, Dance Australia).

Rounding out the festival is Lien, an exceptional one-on-one performance that embodies the beauty of human connection and the power of shared moments. One audience member and one dancer come together on an empty stage for a spontaneous 10-minute performance. It was given five stars by Rod Lewis in Glam Adelaide when it was performed at the Adelaide Fringe this year.

"Sixbythree" runs from July 5 – 6 at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta. 
Info here.