Drinkwater's Dobell Ballet: Storm Approaching Wangi and Other Desires

13 October 2022

A passionate new ballet inspired by the life and work of one of Australia's most extraordinary artists.

Storm Approaching Wangi and Other Desires will bring art and dance together against the stunning backdrop of the lake at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima.

Perhaps one of artist James Drinkwater's most ambitious collaborative projects to date, this interdisciplinary contemporary ballet work explores Sir William Dobell's history and relationship to Lake Macquarie through the lens of the master's epic landscape painting, Storm approaching Wangi.

Working alongside talented choreographers Belle Beasley and Skip Willcox, and innovative composer Joseph Franklin, Drinkwater embraces the ethos of the world famous Ballets Russes. Widely regarded as the most influential ballet company of the 20th century, it promoted ground-breaking collaborations among creatives, all at the forefront of their fields. Among them were composers Stravinsky, Debussy, Satie and Ravel; artists Kandinsky, Picasso and Matisse; and costume designers including Coco Chanel.

Drinkwater has long been inspired by ballet as an artform, and began taking lessons in 2013 to extend his practice both pictorially and lyrically. This experience with dance has influenced his iconography and use of colour for almost a decade, beginning with his early body of work The Boy and the Ballet. Ten years on, Drinkwater’s fascination with the form has been made a reality through collaboration with Beasley and Willcox. Both born and raised in Newcastle, the pair have worked locally and internationally as dancers, and have been engaged by Drinkwater to create the body of this dramatic and moving new ballet. The performance will feature an original score by talented Victorian-based composer and experimental musician Joseph Franklin.

Storm Approaching Wangi and Other Desires is brought to you by MAP mima presents, a series of curated performances that highlight the unique nature of MAP mima as a multi-purpose performance space that integrates art and technology.

WHEN:
Friday, 11 November 2022 | 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Saturday, 12 November 2022 | 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Sunday, 13 November 2022 | 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM

WHERE:
Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima) Lake Macquarie, 96 Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point 2284

FOR TICKETING INFORMATION AND TO MEET THE CAST  CLICK HERE

 

Media

NICHOLAS BLOWERS WINS THE 2024 GLOVER PRIZE FOR LANDSCAPE PAINTING

11 March 2024

Congratulations to Nicholas Blowers, winner of the 2024 Glover Prize, one of Australia's most prestigious art prizes.

 

Read more
Media

'Canvas as Sanctum' by Joe Frost for Artist Profile features Stephanie Eather's recent N\H solo 'From Vernon Terrace'

11 March 2024

Stephanie Eathers work from her Project Space exhibition 'From Vernon Terrace' is reviewed by writer Joe Frost alongside painters Norma Napanangka and Maximilian Daniels, for Artist Profile.

Read more
NH Event

Caroline Zilinsky survey exhibition on show at University Gallery, Newcastle University—28 Feb - 20 Apr

26 February 2024

The University Gallery at Newcastle University is exhibiting a major survey show of artist, Caroline Zilinsky from 28 February to 20 April, 2024. Join the artist for a launch event on Saturday 16 March.

Read more
12 - 14 Meagher Street Chippendale, NSW 2008
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.30pm Saturday, 11am - 4pm Closed Public Holidays (and Easter Saturday)