The Art House Presents
Marrow
An Australian Dance Theatre Production
A choreographic course correction for a nation searching for a new direction. A smoking ceremony for a country trapped by the past.
Set on a shared ground where politics and identity are not our totality, Marrow is a muscular dance work that sees Australian Dance Theatre’s incredible ensemble tangle with layers of smoke and light to disassemble our dominant cultural narratives and reveal the truth of our past.
Created by Daniel Riley in collaboration with ADT’s Company Artists, senior Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri Elder Uncle Moogy Sumner AM, composer James Howard (SAVAGE), Matthew Adey (THE HUM) and Ailsa Patterson (Tracker), Marrow sees the company delve deeper into the core of our shared history.
Bracingly honest, Marrow is a clear-eyed and powerful work that sifts through the smoky forms of our national conscience to imagine a new future that acknowledges the push of our present moment.
“There is much to unpack in Marrow, but this is definitely Riley’s finest production since his appointment as Artistic Director, many creative elements coalescing to produce a riveting and memorable addition to ADT’s repertory.”
- Dance Australia
CAST & CREATIVES
Concept and Direction: Daniel Riley
Choreography: Daniel Riley with Australian Dance Theatre's Company Artists
Project Elder: Major 'Moogy' Sumner AM
Design & Lighting: Matthew Adey
Costume Design: Ailsa Paterson
Sound Design: James Howard
Dancers: TBC
About Australian Dance Theatre (ADT)
Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) is Australia’s oldest continuing contemporary dance company. Founded on Kaurna Yerta (Adelaide) in 1965 by Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM, ADT was established with the aspiration of ‘expanding the boundaries of dance’, a principle that still holds true today.
ADT is led by Wiradjuri man, Daniel Riley, who was appointed as Artistic Director in 2022. Since stepping into the role, he has created major works including SAVAGE, THE HUM, Tracker and Marrow.
“The performance was unrelentingly and unapologetically political… I simply do not have the words to convey the intense power and integrity of this performance to a reader and must, therefore, urge you to see it for yourself.”
- Broadway World
"Marrow speaks to the core and comes from the soul... The use of handheld smoke machines is genius. It allows the cast to control the way the smoke dances and rises across the stage, almost as if another dancer becomes present." ★★★★
- Glam Adelaide
“A really skilful work that takes us back to the Dreamtime itself – to the core, the marrow, of the world’s oldest civilisation.” ★★★★
- The Advertiser