Queensland’s Australasian Dance Collective (ADC) is set to mark its 40th anniversary with Blue, a triple bill that reflects on the company’s past, present, and future. The production will be staged at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Playhouse from 14 to 17 May 2025, coinciding with QPAC’s own 40th anniversary celebrations.
Presented in collaboration with QPAC, Blue follows the theme of “something old, something new, something borrowed,” blending established works with new commissions and international pieces.
Representing “something old“, When Time Stops, choreographed by former ADC Artistic Director Natalie Weir, will return to the QPAC stage. The emotionally charged work, known for its evocative storytelling and choreography, will feature a live performance by Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra. Original cast member Riannon McLean will also return for this revival, marking her first performance with the company in 12 years.
Capturing the fragility and beauty of life’s pivotal moments, audiences will no doubt be thrilled to, once again, experience this special work, featuring Weir’s signature choreography set to a soul-stirring score by Iain Grandage.
Amy Hollingsworth | ADC’s Artistic Director and CEO
We are also delighted that this excerpt of When Time Stops will be accompanied live by Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra as it was so magnificently in its original season.
This performance by Camerata has been enabled by Arts Queensland and QPAC and we are deeply grateful. Their enduring support has been a backbone of strength for this company’s artistic vision for 40 years.
For the “something new” component, ADC has commissioned Australian/Javanese choreographer Melanie Lane to create Glass Teeth, a world premiere exploring the surreal and subconscious nature of dreams. The piece will be set to a newly composed soundscape by UK electronic artist Clark, with costume design by Brisbane-based fashion designer Gail Sorronda.
Lane’s ambitious creations are in high demand, captivating audiences globally. This exhilarating experience brings together Lane’s provocative choreography with a thrilling new soundscape by UK electronic music visionary, Clark.
Amy Hollingsworth | ADC’s Artistic Director and CEO
Continuing the Collective’s commitment to artistic collaboration, we are delighted to announce that acclaimed Brisbane fashion icon Gail Sorronda will design the costumes for Glass Teeth, as she did for Weir’s The Dinner Party in 2019.
The final part of the program, “something borrowed“, will feature In Your Rooms by internationally acclaimed choreographer Hofesh Shechter OBE. And the something blue? Well that is the production’s title.
This groundbreaking work of scale will give audiences the chance to experience a major international dance work, right here in Brisbane.
Amy Hollingsworth | ADC’s Artistic Director and CEO
We are thrilled to stage this performance of extraordinary power and profundity. Schechter’s visceral choreography brings together eight dancers in an electrifying performance, delving into the complexity of our collective existence with unflinching honesty
As part of the celebrations, the Playhouse foyer will showcase archival imagery and footage honouring ADC’s founder, Maggi Sietsma AM, and the company’s history of female artistic leadership.
QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy also acknowledged the significance of the partnership, stating:
Our relationship with ADC is as old as QPAC itself and we acknowledge the important contribution this company has made to Queensland’s cultural landscape over the last 40 years. We are committed to presenting a diverse program and to supporting Queensland companies like ADC that consistently inspire our audiences. We congratulate ADC on this milestone and look forward to many more years of bold programming, international and local creative collaborations and ground-breaking ideas.
Blue will run from 14 to 17 May 2025 at QPAC’s Playhouse. Tickets can be booked now via the QPAC website, or by calling their box office team on 136 246 during business hours.
