Where I Roam

IN A PRE-PANDEMIC world, the Darwin Symphony Orchestra and NT Dance Company hatched a plan to work together. And although we’re in a time where physical roaming has some restrictions, through music and dance, you can be transported to a new world.

By Tamara Howie

Where I Roam features dancers and musicians on stage together, taking audiences on a moving journey featuring Richter’s version of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Respighi’s Pines of Rome.

For Larrakia man and choreographer Gary Lang, the show is the culmination of a year’s work during challenging times.

“I was meant to be in England for four weeks, but came back 10 days later and everything was closed for a period of time. I was aching to get back into the studio and create work,” he said.

The first two pieces are personal to Lang, who is revered for bringing emotive work to the stage.

“[They’re] about myself healing and letting go, and finding who I am again and releasing some of the darkness within,” he said.

“With the dancers I have, we all become reflections of each other. I can say ‘this is how I’m feeling, now find that within yourself but this is the movement’. They bring qualities of their experiences but still maintain the choreography.”

It’s been several years since the DSO and NT Dance Company collaborated in this way, but DSO’s Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Jonathan Tooby recently worked with Lang on Milky Way with West Australian Ballet. He says Where I Roam will be a “truly spectacular event.”

“Bringing music and dance together is always exciting, and to work with the wonderful Gary Lang is really a treat,” he says.

“Gary brings such a beautiful perspective to his choreography with thoroughly engaging, emotional and moving results. It’s going to be a very special encounter.”

Where I Roam
WHEN SAT 5 DEC | 7.30PM
AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
COST $20-$60 | $130 FAM
INFO yourcentre.com.au dso.org.au

Photo: Tim Nicol Photography