Momenta: Small human experiences writ large by Sydney Dance Company

Posted on 5 June, 2024

Raw, explosive and powerful. That’s how Sydney Dance Company artist Morgan Hurrell describes momenta, which bursts onto the stage of Canberra Theatre Centre from 21-22 June.

“There are a lot of moments in the [piece] that are just completely dynamic, with amazing physicality,” explains Morgan. “The mood fluctuates throughout the show – it’s very mystical, very mysterious.”

The latest creation from lauded choreographer and Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, momenta is described as “a journey into the poetry and physics of human connection”.

On stage, these connections chart every interaction from the quiet and soft to explosive and sharp, with myriad exchanges in between.

“The connections between people are quiet, raw and beautiful and then also there are sections which are powerful and very extreme,” says Morgan. “It’s very exciting and very beautiful and powerful.”

Naturally, as with all contemporary dance, the real discovery comes on opening night, when those nebulous themes become muscle and sinew, propelling bodies across the stage, forms intertwining to illustrate a less-than-linear narrative, yet one that sparks joy in every audience member.

“The small human experiences between the dancers are just something that’s so beautiful and powerful,” says Morgan. “But then on a broader scale it’s the connection between the audience and what they feel from the movement – what they see from us dancers, connecting with each other.”

momenta is also the first time Morgan has worked with Bonachela to craft a show, the skilled choreographer working with the company’s dancers to knit the narrative together. Needless to say, it was a special experience.

“It’s just so powerful creating with him – he sees movement in a very unique way. It’s always challenging, but it’s always such a big reward… he just has such an amazing eye for seeing fine detail and seeing an individual as well, which I think is really special.”

Morgan happily admits momenta is a physically demanding show for the dancers, but says the team has embraced the challenge with open arms.

“Each section definitely has its more powerful movements… You get used to dancing in your own way, so coming together as a whole company and exploring everybody’s physicality, enhanced by the extraordinary score by Nick Wales has created this epic work. momenta encouraged each member of the Ensemble–myself included – to push the boundaries of choreographic movement and challenge ourselves in exciting ways.”

Photography: Pedro Greig