National Youth Ballet Company

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National Youth Ballet Company
presents Au revoir, mon ami
Graeme Murphy’s Banged & Tapped + Berlin Songs
St Phillips Christian College Theatre
13 August


On the weekend I had the privilege of being in the audience for these works. The first, Au revoir, mon ami was composed by Cyrus Meurant, who also performed with the dancers accompanying them first on the piano and then on violin. Simply superb. The dancers responded to Meurant’s musical charms, moving in reaction to his melodies reminiscent of the masterful control of a pied piper. This work was choreographed by Brett Morgan OAM, Debbie Linnert, Timothy Gordon and Jake Burden.


The next two works, choreographed by Graeme Murphy AO and Janet Vernon AM, Banged & Tapped and Berlin Songs were gifted to National Youth Ballet Company as a result of an incredible 35 year working relationship that Artistic Director, Brett Morgan OAM had with Graeme and Janet and Sydney Dance Company. To witness the dancers delivering Murphy and Vernon’s work, which was incredibly mature and detailed in both intent and technical skill was mesmerising.


Company dancer Jarrod McWilliams performed Banged & Tapped with percussionist Bridget Bourne. McWilliams had a series of instruments strapped to his body, and I found out later that these were the original instruments from Murphy and Vernon’s original production! I really loved the powerful feminine energy of percussionist matching the physically restrained masculine energy of tap dancer. Very clever.


My favourite piece of the night was Berlin Songs which saw the productions original vocalist return to the work. iOTA brought an intense mature theatricality to the stage through his voice and stage presence. Silas Grimsley and Nathan Cole were just superb together. I can still see Cole cradling Grimsley in his arms, just beautiful. There is something significant about watching young adolescent dancers on the brink of adulthood exploring subject matter that is relevant, sensual and deeply intimate that reminds of us that poignant moment in our lives where exploration of ideas and self are at the forefront of our engagement with the world.


To see these works recreated on the next generation exposed the dancers to a way of moving and expressing intent in such a mature and relevant way, not only to them at this time in their lives, but also for us in this time in our world. The audience gasped and were left in awe.


Congratulation to all.


The company is at the Laycock Theatre this Tuesday 16 August 2022. Get your tickets, support this company and be exposed to these works and performers. You will not regret it.