A feted choreographer with 25 years’ experience, Stephanie Lake has built an enviable reputation for her creative excellence. And so it is with VISTA, in which the resident choreographer for The Australian Ballet and head of her own company presents two views of the one story.
What is consistent is the sharp and then fluid movements of six striking dancers – Marni Green, Robert Tinning, Georgia Van Gils, Tyrel Dulvarie, Rachel Coulson and Hugo Poulet. They run and twist, lift and carry, drop and roll, intertwine and separate.
In Act 1, they are dressed in shades of grey and black on a sheer white floor. In other words, the presentation is monochromatic, save for one brief red splash. After interval, against a rich, initially brown-toned rocky backdrop (which changes colour), they return wearing pops of colour – orange, yellow and brown. Many of their actions are similar, but the combinations vary. In other words, perspective has changed.
My mind reflected on the fact that two people can look at the same event and view it differently. Indeed, recollection itself can vary from person to person. You witness an incident and describe it one way, whereas someone else elucidates upon it from an entirely fresh lens. It causes one to question what is truth?
In this case, the piece is undoubtedly enhanced by the remarkable soundscape and lighting. The musical accompaniment is most varied. Loud. Explosive. Urgent. Spirited. Gentle. Ethereal. Operatic. Rhythmic. At one point, there is a brief episode of chatter as the performers describe the movements they are making. It is the work of composer and sound designer Robin Fox, who strikes a chord.
Bosco Shaw’s lighting design highlights the intensity of the performance. The evocative costuming is by independent sibling-run label Alpha60. Not for naught is Stephanie Lake regarded as a maestro of dance and movement. Yet again with VISTA, she lives up to the moniker only attributed to the best of the best.
Two 30 minutes acts are punctuated by a 20-minute interval. It is on at Merlyn Theatre, at Malthouse Theatre until 1st August, 2026.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Meow Meow’s The Red Shoes at Malthouse Theatre – theatre review
- House of Rot (Green Door Theatre Company), at Malthouse Theatre and Hayes Theatre – musical and theatre review
- The Orchard (Malthouse Theatre) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
