Chris Dyke: lighting the way for inclusivity
Chris Dyke is Australia’s first artist with Down Syndrome to direct a full-length, mainstage dance work.
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If Chris Dyke had a superpower, it would be inspiring those around him.
Chris is a champion for inclusivity; a wildly imaginative dancer and choreographer; and now, Australia’s first artist with Down Syndrome to direct a full-length, mainstage dance work.
Lighting the Dark is drawn from Chris’ rich internal landscape. The work blends some of pop culture’s biggest superheroes, greatest rockstars and most iconic street art into a wildly paced, unexpectedly funny and deeply moving romp through imagined worlds.
Chris says he wants Lighting the Dark’s audiences to feel empowered by happiness, love and connection.
“I want people to feel power,” says Chris.
“My heroes – Batman, Superman, Queen and the street artist Banksy – reflect my power back to me and I hope everyone who sees the show will feel empowered by it, too.”
Chris’ directorial debut has been supported by locally-based, internationally-acclaimed dance company, Dancenorth Australia.
The Company is known for pushing boundaries, with recent works including RED, staged within a giant, slowly deflating plastic sphere; NOISE, set to the thumping beat of 100 community drummers; and Wayfinder, an exuberant piece woven with an estimated 85 kilometres of recycled wool and performed on a custom-made inflatable stage.
But it’s this latest collaboration between Dancenorth and Chris that stands to be the biggest game-changer.
Dancenorth’s Artistic Director Kyle Page says working under Chris’ direction has opened new levels of creativity for the professional Ensemble and the show’s creative team.
“Throughout the entire development, there have been unexpected eruptions of creativity,” says Kyle.
“By showing up for one another as friends, and being open to new ways of creative expression, we have had some amazing ideas bubble to the surface.
“Our whole team has experienced a shift in thinking thanks to Chris’ passion and unique view of the world.”
Kyle says he, Chris and the entire Dancenorth team are honoured to be breaking new ground for inclusivity in the Arts.
“After a decade of friendship, mentorship and collaboration, there is such a sense of ‘rightness’ in inviting Chris to direct a full-length work for Dancenorth,” Kyle says.
For Chris, Lighting the Dark is the next goal to be marked off an ever-growing list. Now, he is dreaming up the stops on the Lighting the Dark world tour:
“France, Hong Kong, London, New York,” he says.
“I want people everywhere to feel like they can achieve their dreams, too.”
Townsville audiences can see Lighting the Dark at Townsville Civic Theatre, June 14 – 15, ahead of its World Premiere at Brisbane Festival later this year.
Tickets for the Townsville shows are available through Ticketshop Townsville.
Originally published as Chris Dyke: lighting the way for inclusivity
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