Exposed, explores vulnerability, uncertainty and risk through movement, design, and music. Be taken on a journey where the breath is a metaphor for feeling threatened or safe, agitated or calm, and the sonic possibilities of breath and entwined into the mesmerising score.
Director Michelle Ryan said “It is my response to the feeling of vulnerability – a powerful standing up for oneself. Most of us are free to make choices about what parts of our life we keep private and what is public. But for some, this choice is often not so straight forward. We need to rely on others, sometimes strangers to help us with movements in life that you might take for granted. And if we are lucky, we will have people around us who we trust. Trust is built slowly over time, relinquishing ourselves to the hands of others.
With our backs to the wall, creating edges and boundaries, we build a community around us to keep our fragility protected. It is when we feel safe enough to let our guards down, we can show the little pieces our ourselves that are our most personal. To be brave, yet vulnerable, is when we feel safe and not exposed.”
With an evocative score by Hilary Kleinig and Emily Tulloch, stunning lighting and set design by Geoff Cobham and a superb cast of seven diverse Restless dancers, Exposed is expressive, somewhat haunting, mysterious, and gracefully performed.
“I recently had an experience as a person living with disability where I was made to feel very vulnerable in the public space. I felt overwhelmed with fear and distress at the lack of empathy shown. I initially showed my vulnerability but quickly realized the situation required me to show strength. What happens when your usual defenses are challenged? Do you stay and fight? What’s your fallback?” – Michelle Ryan
Presentations:
- Premiere – Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre, April 2022
- FRAME: A biennial of dance, Arts House, March 2023
- Regional Tour – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre & Chaffey Theatre, Mt Gambier & Renmark, May 2023
- Sydney Opera House, August 2023
- Theatre Royal, Hobart 2023
- SIDance Festival, Seoul South Korea, September 2023
