Restless Dance Theatre has returned from an extraordinary few days in London, where we were honoured to represent Australia at the launch of Australia House Creatives — a new initiative celebrating and championing Australian creativity in the United Kingdom.
Hosted by His Excellency the High Commissioner, Jay Weatherill AO, in the beautiful gardens of Australia House, the event brought together artists, cultural leaders and creatives from across Australia and the UK to celebrate the depth, diversity and ambition of Australian arts practice on the international stage.
Representing Restless were company dancers Sidney Debba and Charlie Wilkins, guest artist Marcus Louend, Artistic Director Michelle Ryan, Associate Artist Larissa McGowan, and CEO Julie Moralee, who shared Restless’ work and story with an audience of Australian and international cultural leaders.
The dancers performed a powerful extract from Enough, a work choreographed by Michelle Ryan with music by composer Hilary Kleinig. Through bold physicality, connection and storytelling, the performance demonstrated the artistic excellence and unique perspective that has defined Restless Dance Theatre for more than 35 years.
For Restless, international opportunities like this are about more than presenting work overseas — they are about creating space for disability-led artists to be seen, celebrated and recognised as leaders in contemporary performance.
Disability-led art belongs on the world stage. Our dancers bring extraordinary skill, creativity and lived experience to every performance, challenging audiences to see movement, storytelling and artistic expression in new ways.
This invitation was also an opportunity to strengthen connections between Australian and international artists and share the impact of Restless’ inclusive artistic practice. From our home in South Australia to audiences around the world, we continue to create ambitious dance theatre that celebrates diverse bodies, perspectives and ways of being.
We are incredibly proud of Sid, Charlie, Marcus, Michelle, Larissa and Julie for representing Restless with such passion, generosity and excellence — and grateful to everyone who helped make this moment possible.
A huge thank you to Jay Weatherill and the Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom for the invitation and for celebrating Australian creativity abroad.
Credits
Choreographer: Michelle Ryan
Composer: Hilary Kleinig
Live musicians: Rachael Kwa & Jess Abrahams
Photographer: Ruby Boland
With thanks to:
Jay Weatherill AO
Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom
Adam Hills
Governor-General of Australia
CoeGallery
Sarah Prestwidge
Lyla Levy-Jordan
Milan Ring
Tia Gostelow
Sir Jude
Zohab Zee Khan
Ministry of Sound