Overview
Beautifully wrought from the world of signs and symbols in our everyday lives, Artistic Director Rafael Bonchela’s celebrated production has toured extensively in the UK and Europe since it first premiered at the Ludwigsburg Festival, Germany in 2009. It has instantly been recognised by audiences and critics as “a giant leap… imaginatively, musically and choreographically” (The Guardian).
The performance evolves from calm beginnings, with every exquisite movement picking out the irresistible intensity of Ezio Bosso’s score, and builds in tempo to a frenetic finale. The Company’s magnificent dancers are placed against a vibrant set made of neon tubes and a rich wall of constantly changing colour. Designed by a crack British team of Alan Macdonald (production), Guy Hoare (lighting) and Theo Clinkard (costumes), this is a production which promises all the physical precision and enthralling dance that has dazzled the Company’s audiences from Shanghai to Venice.
“This was a 100% gold-plated ‘my I wasn’t expecting something as stunning as that’ hit.” – Ballet.co.uk
“Bonachela recasts the experience of direction and control in a fascinating variety of modes, each given dramatic colour by Ezio Bosso’s score.” – The Guardian
“The Land of Yes and the Land of No starts with an elastic and mesmerising solo… and builds from there into strong ensemble formations of increasing weight and complexity.” – The Times
The Land of Yes and The Land of No was originally commissioned for Bonachela Dance Company, London in 2009. It had its Australian premiere for the 2011 Brisbane Festival and was followed by a strictly limited season at Sydney Theatre.
Performance History
Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane
Brisbane Festival
28 September – 1 October 2011
Sydney Theatre
18 – 29 October 2011
Theatre Royal, Hobart TAS
8 – 9 June 2012
Princess Theatre, Launceston TAS
15 – 16 June 2012
Riverside Theatre, Parramatta NSW
21 – 23 June 2012
Canberra Theatre Centre, ACT
28 – 30 June 2012
Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga NSW
4 July 2012
Albury Entertainment Centre, NSW
7 July 2012
The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie NSW
11 July 2012
Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra NSW
14 July 2012
Casula Powerhouse, Casula NSW
18 July 2012
Civic Theatre, Newcastle NSW
20 – 21 July 2012
Gold Coast Arts Centre, QLD
25 July 2012
Creatives
Choreography & Concept
Rafael Bonachela
Music Composition & Vocals
Ezio Bosso
Production Design/Light Installation
Alan Macdonald
Stage Lighting Design
Guy Hoare
Costume Design
Theo Clinkard
Sound Design
Adam Iuston
Costumes Made by
Fiona Holley
The Land of Yes and the Land of No Campaign Photography
Jez Smith
Media
“There’s no denying Rafael Bonachela’s The Land Of Yes And The Land Of No is extraordinarily beautiful.” – Daily Telegraph
“Jaw-dropping feats of physicality” – Daily Telegraph
“The dancers are beautifully articulate… bound by a shared energy.” – The Australian
“Built in emotional intensity, providing a satisfying journey for the viewer” – The Australian
“The dancers are wonderful: flexible, energetic, committed, precise.” – Sydney Morning Herald
“Sparsely beautiful work of contemporary dance is a visual feast for lovers of the Sydney Dance Company…Recommended.” The Sun-Herald
“I loved the many moments of gorgeous choreography executed by ten sublime dancers who move beautifully through the space in white crepe-like pleated fabric” – SX News
Gallery
