Dance Collaboration Brings Gloria Triple Bill to Australian and New Zealand Stages
Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia and The New Zealand Dance Company have joined forces to present Gloria - A Triple Bill, a powerful dance production that honors the legacy of renowned New Zealand choreographer Douglas Wright. This collaboration bridges artistic communities across the Tasman Sea, showcasing works that explore themes of life, history, and cultural resilience.
Artistic Directors United by Douglas Wright's Influence
Raewyn Hill, artistic director of Perth-based Co3, and Moss Te Ururangi Patterson, artistic director of The New Zealand Dance Company, share a deep connection through their experiences with Douglas Wright. Hill, a graduate of the New Zealand School of Dance, performed in a 1997 retrospective of Wright's works, including his acclaimed masterpiece Gloria, which she first witnessed as a student in 1991. Patterson studied under Wright at Unitec Performing Arts School, where he absorbed the choreographer's innovative techniques.
After Wright's passing in 2018, Hill restaged Gloria at the Heath Ledger Theatre in Perth in 2022, paying tribute to his exploration of human existence and spiritual themes. The piece is set to Vivaldi's Gloria, utilizing the music's emotional depth to celebrate the full spectrum of life from birth to death.
Successful New Zealand Premiere and Emotional Impact
The triple bill made its New Zealand debut on March 12 as part of the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, initiated by co-director Dolina Wehipeihana. Dancers from both companies performed to sold-out audiences over three nights at Wellington's St James Theatre, receiving standing ovations. Patterson described the experience as "rewarding and validating" for contemporary dancers and artists, highlighting the emotional resonance of revisiting Wright's craft.
"It was a validation of the work we do as artists, seeing Douglas' work restaged, watching it unfold on stage," Patterson shared. "For me, it was an opportunity to relearn from his skill and aspire to that greatness." He emphasized the aspirational desire among New Zealand artists to build upon the foundations laid by mentors like Wright.
Western Australian Tour and Additional Works
Following its success in New Zealand, Gloria - A Triple Bill will tour Western Australia, with performances scheduled in regional locations and Perth. The tour includes stops at Margaret River HEART on March 24, Red Earth Arts Precinct in Karratha on March 27, and His Majesty's Theatre in Perth from March 31 to April 1.
The program features not only Gloria but also two additional works. Hill contributes A Moving Portrait, an excerpt from her 2025 piece In The Shadow Of Time, set to Arvo Part's Tabula Rasa Ludus II. Silentium. Patterson presents Lament, a physical and emotional ode to ancestors affected by the New Zealand Land Wars, specifically the 1864 massacre at Rangiaowhia.
Lament: A Cultural and Historical Tribute
Patterson, raised in the traditional Maori village of Tokaanu, drew inspiration for Lament from the moteatea E Pa To Hau, a song passed down through generations. "It's a lament for our ancestors, imagining a moment when a tribe was surrounded by colonial forces," he explained. The work incorporates haka movements and elements from Wright's teachings, blending cultural heritage with contemporary dance.
He described Lament as "sad but hopeful," focusing on love, resilience, and remembrance. Performed to a composition by Shayne P. Carter, the piece serves as both a historical homage and a tribute to Wright's enduring influence. Patterson expressed hope that this tour will introduce The New Zealand Dance Company to Western Australian audiences and foster future collaborations.
Tickets for Gloria - A Triple Bill are available through co3.org.au, offering audiences a chance to experience this cross-cultural dance celebration.
