Solon Ulbrich, accomplished dancer and choreographer, has finally brought contemporary dance work construct to Australian audiences with company Performing Lines. construct explores notions of construction and destruction, building and collapse. The bare stage is strewn with objects associated with house building, such as a work bench, a step ladder, wires, rolls of tape and loose timber planks. All these objects are at some stage integrated into the choreography, most notably the planks.
“construct is a dance theatre performance that raises all sorts of interesting ideas and perspectives on the process of building our lives and the challenges faced during their creation,” Ulbrich explains. “It breaks down and reveals many aspects of the set and lighting and technical construction. It also shows the increasing complexity of the theme as the dance form progresses from simpler movement and physical phrase construction, to presenting more detailed physical nuance, embodiment of emotional and physical history and human interactions.”
Just as construct is about the physical environment, it is also an ode to the complex and fascinating construction of the body. “The ability for the human body to convey complex subtle ideas, interaction and the full palette of the human experience, whilst leaving space for the audience to have their own interpretation is very satisfying,” says Ulbrich.
The final work choreographed by Ulbrich’s late partner, Tanja Liedtke, is inspired by Liedtke’s adventurous childhood. “Tanja grew up and lived many places all over the world. She was multilingual and had a broad perspective on cultures and their different modes of communication. I think she thrived with dance because it was exciting, energising, engaging and passionate, but also because it was a universal language that was available for everyone to appreciate and understand in their own way.”
Ulbrich, having worked with some of Australia’s most revered dancers and choreographers, appreciates the diversity of education and experience his dancers bring to construct. “I am very lucky to work with some of Australia’s finest dancers in construct. I play a small role in supporting them to stay fresh and engaged in their realisation of Tanja’s work, in which they played an influential part as collaborative choreographers.”
Dance and theatre audiences are promised an amazing experience by Ulbrich, assuring us that it will be both influential and memorable. “It is one of the most challenging and exciting virtuosic choreographies I have ever seen, performed by mind blowing dancers. It is a work with emotional impact as we examine the choices we make and the way we choose to construct our lives.”
It is a rare opportunity to appreciate the depth and talent of Liedtke’s choreography. “Canberra audience members will be lucky to see Tanja Liedtke’s final work and to experience first hand the amazing talent she was and the gift she gave to Australian dance.”
Performing Lines presents construct at the Playhouse for three nights only, from Wednesday June 17 to Friday June 19 @ 8pm. Tix $50/$43/$35. Bookings and info through Canberra Ticketing on 6275 2700 or check out the CTC website.
