Review: Marrow By Australian Dance Theatre Is Bold Raw And Unapologetic
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Created by the electric mind of Director Daniel Riley, Marrow by Australian Dance Theatre is a raw and captivating dance work that confronts the cultural narratives shaping today’s political landscape. Taking the stage at Gold Coast’s HOTA, a breathtaking ensemble of six dancers embody the layers of our nation’s conscience to unveil deep historical truths.
Renowned for provoking thought and emotion, Australian Dance Theatre has been committed to amplifying diverse voices, landscapes and histories for 60 years. Now as the Artistic Director himself, Daniel Riley continues to do just that.
Born in the wake of the unsuccessful Voice to Parliament in 2023, Marrow challenges political restraints and envisions a unified nation paving a collective path forward. Currently touring nationally after its 2024 Adelaide Festival premiere, this production continues to captivate audiences.
Immediately upon entering the theatre, you are immersed in an atmosphere shaped by subtle, underlying music. However, these calm undertones aren’t enough to prepare you for what is to come. From the very first jarring beat of this unrelenting soundtrack, audiences are seized and held captive until the final bow. And as each dancer joins the stage, you can’t help but be totally entranced by the powerful quality of their movement.
The avant-garde sound design of James Howard exerts a sonic chokehold that singlehandedly shapes an atmosphere unlike anything experienced before. The unforgiving repetition of dissonant cords and jarring beats is suffocating yet hypnotic. This merciless soundtrack powerfully underpins themes of oppression and successfully evokes the emotions intended.
The dancers are nothing short of mesmerising Photo by Morgan Sette
The dancers are nothing short of mesmerising Photo by Morgan Sette
The innovative yet minimalistic approach to production elements deepens the emotional impact by allowing the choreography to truly speak for itself. Marrow is a choreographic masterpiece with Daniel Riley at the core. The striking symbolism and effortless balance between pedestrian and contemporary style movements deliver a raw and unforgettable display.
Joshua Doctor, Yilin Kong, Zachary Lopez, Karra Nam, Patrick O’Luanaigh and Zoe Wozniak are nothing short of mesmerising. However, it is the performance of Zoe that had me completely captivated from start to finish. Her extraordinary strength and control over every movement is jaw-dropping. She embodies every step with her entire being, each movement executed with passion, precision and intention.
In Marrow, the smoke becomes a seventh dancer – a breathtaking presence that elevates the performance. Strategically controlled using a handheld device, the employment of smoke in powerful moments throughout the piece adds depth to the choreography. As Karra Nam intertwines her body with the fluidity of the smoke, a moment of profound connection and spirituality is created.
The use of the black fabric is a powerful storytelling device and effectively creates deeper dimensions in the choreography. It first manifests as, what I interpreted as, an oppressive force that gradually lowers onto the dancers until it fully consumes them. A compelling moment that creates a visually striking contrast that is both memorable and symbolic. The fabric then transforms into a vulnerable, human-like form that Karra Nam gently nurtures, evoking a powerful emotional response.
Ailsa Paterson’s costume design entirely represents the rawness of this production. The loose, neutral-toned clothes reinforce the authenticity grounding this work.
Marrow is a confronting yet breathtaking work of art Photo by Morgan Sette
Matthew Adey’s innovative lighting design intensifies the emotional impact of the work’s heaviest themes. For the duration of the show, a white, sheet-like wall lines the stage, subtly glowing with earthy tones when lit. In moments of heightened intensity, erratic flashes of light are projected, amplifying the reaction to confronting scenes.
This unique feature becomes a powerful symbol; their tearing down in the finale delivers a powerful culmination of core themes. As the production draws to a close, the lights extend beyond the stage to light up the audience, projecting a deep sense of reflection and accountability in viewers.
Marrow is a confronting yet breathtaking work of art – bold, raw and unapologetic all at once. Promising an eye-opening experience, it challenges audiences to rethink historical narratives and sparks momentum towards a unified future. Next taking to the stage in Dubbo and then on tour around the country, Marrow is one not to be missed.
Marrow by Australian Dance Theatre tours nationally from May to August, 2025. For dates see below. The performance at HOTA on the Gold Coast has now ended.
Tickets: https://www.adt.org.au/season2025-marrow
Website: https://www.adt.org.au/ and https://hota.com.au/