The Oracle

This sensual and intense dance work by celebrated choreographer Meryl Tankard, featuring dancer Paul White, explores the conflicting forces of nature and man, masculinity and femininity, violence and nurturing, strength and vulnerability.

Inspired by the sometimes disturbing human forms in Scandinavian artist Odd Nerdrum’s work, The Oracle is set to Stravinsky’s seminal composition for the infamous 1913 ballet The Rite of Spring, which caused riots at its Paris premiere.

The intensity of the subject, the power of the complex, rhythmic musical score and the stark and brooding aesthetic, created by visual & set designer Regis Lansac, deliver an atmosphere of coiled-spring emotions and conflict in this haunting and critically acclaimed work.

Meryl Tankard is an eminent Australian dancer and choreographer with a lengthy career, which has included dancing for the Australian Ballet and the legendary Pina Bausch. Meryl Tankard has created works for several European and USA companies and has returned to Australia to take on a number of company directorship roles before becoming a much sought-after freelance choreographer.

Paul White is one of Australia’s most impressive dance talents and won the 2008 Helpmann Award for Best Male Dancer. Regis Lansac is a freelance international visual artist and set designer who has worked with Meryl Tankard for 25 years.

“It is her (Tankard’s) richest most compelling work for many years. White – supremely strong, muscular with intensity of purpose matching the intensity of the music and choreography – is simply the best male dancer in the country. This is a tour de force for him and Tankard.” The Australian

“There has to be talent and skill and creative inspiration. But sometimes you have to believe the stars were aligned to bring artistic elements together at a particular moment to make something extraordinary. The Oracle is such a piece.” Sydney Morning Herald

Duration 50 mins, no Interval

Please note: This performance is recommended for age 16+

Image by Regis Lansac