Integrated dance, light and sound at their mesmerising finest. That, in a nutshell, is Triptych. While the definition of the title refers to a work of art divided into three sections, there are – in fact – four works on show. They are described as an epilogue, acts 1 and 2 and a prologue. The respective running times are about nine minutes, nine minutes, 20 minutes and nine minutes, with brief breaks in between.
In the epilogue, three female dancers, hair tied up and pulled back, dressed in black, display a muscularity of movement in sharp squares of light. Elsi Faulks, Felicity Chadwick and Tahlia Russell are accompanied by a dramatic score that intensifies as the piece develops. The composer is James Brown, the visual designer Fausto Brusamolino, while the choreographer is artistic director Lewis Major.
Act I is characterised by a deeply felt chanting. The composer is A Filetta. A single dancer – poised and confident – twirls and bends, stands on one leg while raising the other above her head. She is joined by taller and strong Alexander Abbot, who is entwined with her, lifts and carries her, holds her high and circles with her.
Shards of white light and a pinging sound introduce act 2. There is scraping and crackling as we see four shapes intertwined, bodies moving in unison. An urgency develops in the score. The beats intensify. The bodies separate. Four becomes two and then one. The shape of the light changes. A single shard emulates the rotation of the blades of a wind turbine.
Soon enough the one female performer is joined by another. They are encased in a circle of light, which appears more distant. Black costuming gives way to a skimpier skin tone. All four artistes come together before we are done. The composer is Dane Yates after Debussy.
In the epilogue, against an attractive, gentle piano bed, a single artist with flowing hair captivates by letting sand run through her fingers and onto the floor. As the stage area lightens, she is moving in a tight circular pattern, the sand creating an artistic design, before she glides across the surface, looking up towards the light.
Triptych is striking, visually stunning, enticing and emotive. It utilises movement, sound and light in a distinct way, creating a rich tapestry. In short, it is captivating – genius, alluring, at times mysterious. The four performers are flawless, whether working solo, in pairs or as a unit of four. It is a showcase of excellence that you dare not turn away from.
There is a genuine air of excitement about what we are watching for the one constant is change. Poetic and rhythmic, the mood shifts in line with the differences in tone, characterised by the diversity of sound and the often-bold light patterns. Bravo to Bungandidj and Ngarrindjeri choreographer Lewis Major for his unique take on the art form. He and the team have created something very special that it is privilege to witness firsthand.
Not surprisingly, Triptych has collected a string of major awards. They include Best Dance at Adelaide Fringe, the Spirit of the Fringe Award at Edinburgh Fringe and Overall Best Dance Work at Sydney Fringe. Fifty-five minutes in total length, Triptych is playing at Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne, until 26th September, 2026.
Alex First
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.