Restless Dance Theatre in Adelaide is delighted to announce that the esteemed Julie Shanahan, a graduate of the Pina Bausch Company, has joined the Company for her UTOPINA Repertory Lab | Excerpts from Kontakthof, a play by Pina Bausch with guest artists and Back to Back Theatre.

This exciting collaboration brings together three visionary companies, each known for their innovative approaches to dance and performance.

The project is led by Roz Hervey, Creative Producer, Creative Collaborator and Dramaturg of Restless Dance Theatre. Hervey’s professional relationship with Shanahan spans four decades, beginning in the 1980s with their work together at Australia’s leading dance theatre company, One Extra Company. Hervey has long admired Bausch’s work and Shanahan was a principal dancer with the Pina Bausch Tanztheater Wuppertal for 36 years.

“Two years ago we contacted Julie to bring her to Australia where she would work with Restless and create a version of Contact CourtPina’s iconic work, with a cast of artists with disabilities,” says Hervey. “With this in mind, we were keen to include the extraordinary artists from Back to Back Theatre, creating a unique collaboration opportunity for our organisations.”

Established in 2009, the Pina Bausch Foundation preserves and promotes the legacy of famed choreographer Pina Bausch by managing her artistic work, supporting contemporary dance projects, and fostering international cultural exchange. Restless Dance Theatre is celebrated for its inclusive practices and powerful storytelling, while Back to Back Theatre is directed by Bruce Gladwin and is known for its thought-provoking and socially relevant performances. “Together with Julie Shanahan’s guidance, we explore excerpts from Contact Court in the hope of moving forward and creating a new version of the original work that challenges norms,” Hervey continues.

Restless artistic director Michelle Ryan adds that the entire experience will be “transformative for our dancers.”

Further information can be found here.