Book a babysitter and brush up on your table manners because Brisbane’s most intriguing and captivating dinner party returns to QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre from 10- 18 May.
Expressions Dance Company’s (EDC) The Dinner Party, which debuted as The Host in 2015, returns for a second helping with a new cast, new character developments and under the eye of the company’s new Artistic Director, Amy Hollingsworth.
The stage is set for an elegant soiree; The Host (EDC’s Jake McLarnon) an influential and wealthy young man who manipulates every guest seated at his table, The Hostess (special guest Lizzie Vilmanis) his wife who wields the real power in their relationship.
As the evening wears on, the story gains momentum and darkens as the guests’ insatiable need for control, status and power intensifies.
“The Dinner Party centres around desire for power, its impact on relationships, and how the motivator of status can corrupt completely,” Ms Hollingsworth said.
“What has always struck me about this work is its subtlety, and that even the smallest of interactions at the dinner table can disrupt the dynamic, shifting both the balance and perception of power so suddenly and completely.
“I find the medium of dance is profound when weaving these subtle threads, capturing the most nuanced and weighty moments of body language.”
The Dinner Party is choreographed by EDC’s former artistic director Natalie Weir who has reworked the piece and reshaped the roles, and it will tour Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory after its Brisbane season.
Ms Hollingsworth was the production’s rehearsal director in 2015 and said many of the relationships between the characters take on a more layered meaning now in 2019.
“With current awareness of the conversations concerning gender and equality, various character dynamics seem more exposed and some of the relationships take on a different tone when seen through the current lens,” she said.
The Dinner Party, then titled The Host, premiered to glowing reviews in 2015 with audiences and critics alike spellbound by the enthralling narrative and physicality of the contemporary dance piece.
The production was nominated for a 2016 Australian Dance Award and again features costumes by acclaimed Australian fashion designer Gail Sorronda and music recorded by Queensland’s Southern Cross Soloists.
“… a lively tasting plate offering the audience plenty to savour.” The Courier-Mail
“With every new work, EDC continues to solidify their rightful place in the landscape of contemporary dance in Australia.” Dancetrain Magazine
“It is impossible to take one’s eyes off the guests at this dinner party – a charming, relatable, hour-long production.” QT Entertainment
THE DINNER PARTY
When: 10-18 May, 2019
Where: Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane
Tickets: $65
Bookings and Info: qpac.com.au
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