MUSIC OF LIFE
How often has a song transported you back in time or perfectly captured how you feel about something? SLIDE Youth Dance Theatre’s dynamic reworking of their 2023 production, LIFE, explores music’s unique ability to move us in this way and how it offers emotional solace to young people.
WORDS RITA HORANYI
REVOLVING AROUND the lives of three isolated teens, each facing their own unique challenges, LIFE tackles some of the big issues confronting young people today – bullying, loneliness, and relationship problems. Connecting the various narrative strands that run through the show is music’s crucial role in helping young people navigate the confusing world they find themselves in.
“We sort of noticed, even more so in the pandemic, that [the cast] were leaning into music more ... Throughout life, there’ll be music that’s pivotal to a time or to something special that happened. And also, the idea that songs, music are about being your friend when you’re lonely, about celebration, about remembering a time ... It seemed like that was a really important thing to them,” explains SLIDE Artistic Director, Joanna Noonan.
And so, the idea of crafting a dance piece around songs that were meaningful to SLIDE’s ensemble was born. Combining bold choreography, the innovative use of props, poignant storytelling, and compelling character arcs, LIFE offers an immersive and ultimately uplifting theatrical experience.
“This is a beautiful piece that is really heartfelt, by young people, for young people. It’s addressing health and wellbeing and makes sure [young people] are being seen,” says Noonan.
In addition to the layers of narrative, dance, props and, of course, the songs selected by the cast, this revamped production also weaves Auslan into the performance. This allows the show to be inclusive to Deaf or hard of hearing ensemble and audience members, but in a way that makes the language a feature of the choreography.
“Sign language often begins a choreographic pathway. We’ll take a phrase ... and use that beautiful language of the hands to explore where that can go,” says Noonan.
The end result is a unique and multi-layered exploration of music’s power and the courage and insight of young people that’s not to be missed.
SLIDE Youth Dance Theatre | LIFE
WHEN WED 10 – FRI 12 SEP | 10.30AM & 7PM
AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
COST $35 | $31 MEMB/CONC | $21 CHILD
INFO yourcentre.com.au
