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 and 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.

This performance contains nudity and adult themes.  Recommended for ages 16+.

Photography by: Regis Lansac
 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Originally Commissioned by Sydney Opera House and Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australian Council, its arts funding and advisory body and by the Keir Foundation. Original development assistance through Critical Path's Responsive Program in partnership with UNSW.