The humble art of knitting rarely takes the spotlight, but a new performance by one of Australia's leading dance companies literally throws it onto centre stage.
Dancenorth has premiered its production of Wayfinder at the North Australian Festival of Arts in Townsville, weaving together contemporary dance, music and art.
More than 100 volunteers came together in a series of "knitting sittings" to create the woollen set and props, which have been incorporated into the choreography.
"Countless balls of wool have been used in the making of this show," associate designer Chloe Greaves said.
"Wayfinder as a work is about finding connection after COVID, and it's the idea that the people of Townsville's energy and spirit has literally been finger-knitted into the work."
The show is a creative collaboration of major proportions.
Wayfinder features the music of Grammy-nominated Melbourne band Hiatus Kaiyote and sound artist Byron Scullin, alongside the colourful artworks of celebrated Japanese-Australian visual artist Hiromi Tango.
One hundred speaker "orbs" will be scattered throughout the audience, allowing light and music to pulsate through the crowd.
"The idea was born post-pandemic, and we acknowledge the fact that there is so much fear and so much anxiety and so much isolation and distance in the world.
"We wanted to create an offering that was really counter to that experience that people have gone through over the last two years, so this is a gift, it's a beacon of hope."
Ms Greaves said the costumes were all created from donated and recycled garments and the wool had been purchased from op shops.
"Everything is second hand and sustainable and also has a life in it already, which is kind of exciting because it speaks to the journey of the work," she said.
After its local debut in Townsville, Wayfinder will feature at the Brisbane Festival in September, and the company intends to tour it internationally.
Dancer Marlo Benjamin said the performance was unlike anything she had participated in before.
"It's a really nice escape and vision for the future."
