A visceral and thrilling exploration of the juxtaposition of beauty and devastation, Sydney Dance Company’s full-length work, Impermanence is Rafael Bonachela’s newest creation, with music written by Bryce Dessner, performed live by the Australian String Quartet.

Contemporary composer, Bryce Dessner has created a new score full of emotional power. Best known as a founder of American rock band The National and for his film scores for The Revenant and The Two Popes, Dessner was initially inspired by the tragedy of the Australian bush fires and the Notre-Dame fire in Paris. The full power of Sydney Dance Company’s ensemble is joined live on stage by the Australian String Quartet. This is an epic, driven performance that packs an emotional punch.

When COVID-19 struck in March 2020, Impermanence was only four days from its world premiere and opening night. After a tumultuous year, Sydney Dance Company bring it to the stage for the first time in 2021, now with added poignancy.

Experience the power of dance and music performed live together, laden with meaning, fleeting and vulnerable and from devastation, find energy, urgency, radiance and hope.

The Sydney and Australian national performances of Impermanence are presented in association with the Australian String Quartet. Bryce Dessner’s music composition Impermanence is commissioned by the Australian String Quartet and Sydney Dance Company. This commission has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

Choreographer: Rafael Bonachela
Composer: Bryce Dessner
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper
Stage Designer: David Fleischer
Costume Designer: Aleisa Jelbart

Australian String Quartet:
Dale Barltrop – Violin
Francesca Hiew – Violin
Stephen King – Viola
Michael Dahlenburg – Cello

“It is timely that Impermanence takes to the stage when our world is rocked by so much uncertainty. We reflected on how easily things fall apart, even structures we imagine to be eternal, but also the fragility and impermanence of human life, the planet and human relationships. This transience, so fleeting and vulnerable is the perfect subject for live performance.” – Rafael Bonachela