NZ Dance Company commemorates WW1 with tour of 'Rotunda'

On 13 March, The New Zealand Dance Company will commence its Australasian tour of Rotunda – a tribute to the centenary of the First World War ANZAC landing at Gallipoli.
A unique production that received standing ovations at every performance last year at the Holland Dance Festival, Rotunda features the beautiful collision of a live brass band with the raw power of contemporary dance. The tour, featuring the New Zealand Army Band, will begin in Tauranga on 13 March and include performances in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, before concluding its Auckland season on Anzac Day at the Aotea Centre with North Shore Brass.
The tour will then continue across the Tasman throughout May, with performances in Adelaide, Melbourne, Parramatta and Geelong.
Created by the company’s Artistic Director and Arts Laureate Shona McCullagh in collaboration with NZDC dancers and celebrated singer, songwriter and composer Don McGlashan as Musical Director, Rotunda brings to life the world of the band rotunda as an iconic symbol of New Zealand community.
“Rotunda is a living memorial that celebrates the ANZAC spirit and the themes of courage, community and loss, and ultimately, a desire for peace,” says Ms McCullagh – last year’s winner of the Arts Category at the Westpac and Fairfax Women of Influence Awards.
“The performers’ journeys go to the heart of change and crisis, where compassion and kinship are illuminated by a haunting, humourous and deeply felt score.”
“We are thrilled to be touring with the New Zealand Army Band and also reuniting with North Shore Brass for our final performances in Auckland,” says McCullagh.
The bands bring to life the rich vein of contemporary brass music from New Zealand composers Gareth Farr, John Ritchie, John Psathas and Don McGlashan, woven together with traditional hymns to conjure the emotional landscape of a seminal time in our nation’s history.
“It is an honour to be able to connect this poignant time in our history to a wide range of New Zealanders and Australians through this work,” says McCullagh.
The Rotunda production includes a transformative set by Joe Bleakley and striking costuming by Jane Holland, resonating with contemporary culture where conflict, both political and personal, continue to challenge us. Renowned for its earthiness, physicality, rhythm and expression this unmistakably New Zealand choreography integrates shadow play, mace twirling, a 24 piece marching band, and a fusion of waiata with dynamic contemporary dance theatre.
Tickets start from $20.
Our Rotunda webisodes provide a preview of the work.
Tour Dates and Venues:
Tauranga - Baycourt Community and Arts Centre: Friday 13 March
Wellington - Soundings Theatre: Thursday 19 - Sunday 22 March
Christchurch - Air Force Museum: Friday 27 March
Dunedin - Regent Theatre: Wednesday 1 April
Auckland - ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre: Thursday 23 - Saturday 25 April
Adelaide: Wednesday 29 April - Saturday 2 May
Melbourne: Thursday 7 - Saturday 9 May
Parramatta: Wednesday 13 - Saturday 16 May
Geelong: Thursday 21 - Friday 22 May
Creative Team:
Director: Shona McCullagh
Musical Director: Don McGlashan
Choreography: Shona McCullagh in collaboration with the dancers
Dancers: Tupua Tigafua, Hannah Tasker-Poland, Lucy Lynch, Gareth Okan, Carl Tolentino, Chrissy Kokiri, Katie Rudd, Chris Ofanoa
Conductors: Captain Graham Hickman, Marc Taddei
Musicians: New Zealand Army Band; North Shore Brass
Composers: Don McGlashan, John Ritchie, Edward Elgar, Gareth Farr, Alex Lithgow, John Psathas, Johannes Brahms
Set Design: Joe Bleakley
Costume Design: Jane Holland
Lighting Design: Paul O’Brien
Dramaturgy: Michelanne Forster
Production Manager: Paul O’Brien