LIGHTING THE DARK
Blockbuster superheroes, legendary rock icons and the world’s most beloved street artist will be celebrated in a groundbreaking dance work coming to Geelong Arts Centre 19 – 20 March.
Lighting the Dark, directed by Chris Dyke and commissioned by internationally-acclaimed contemporary dance company Dancenorth Australia, is the first mainstage dance work in
Australia – and potentially the world – to be directed by an artist living with Down syndrome.
Dyke said his goal for Lighting the Dark was to create a show that takes inspiration from his personal heroes – Batman, Superman, David Bowie, Queen and Banksy – and leaves the
audience feeling a sense of happiness, love and connection with one another. The performance at Geelong Arts Centre is part of a seven-city national tour that follows Lighting the Dark’s World Premiere at Brisbane Festival and preview season in Gurambilbarra (Townsville) in 2024.
Chris’ long-time collaborator and Dancenorth’s Co-Artistic Director Kyle Page said it’s been a joy for Dancenorth’s Ensemble and creative team to work alongside Chris to bring his vision
to life.
Tickets on sale now at geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/lighting-the-dark/
Geelong Arts Centre’s SEASON 2026 is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and Major Artistic Partner Deakin University
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE
“Dancenorth Australia continue to create joyful, powerful contemporary dance. Colour and movement is an understatement. We’re sure that 2026 audiences will be moved by their boundary-pushing artistry.”
- Rhys Holden, Geelong Arts Centre CEO & Creative Director
“My heroes all work in the darkness – some fighting injustice and defending those who need it, and others making beautiful music and artwork under cover of night – so others can enjoy
the light. These heroes reflect my own power back to me, and I hope everyone who sees the show will feel empowered by it, too.”
- Chris Dyke, creator and performer Dancenorth Australia
“It means a lot to share this work with audiences across Australia... I’m delighted to promote a culture of inclusion and aim to take Lighting the Dark all over the world – New York, London, Hong Kong, everywhere – for everyone to enjoy the love we share.”
- Chris Dyke, creator and performer Dancenorth Australia
“Chris is such a creative force, and he has brought an incredible clarity and instinct to what he wanted to achieve with his first full-length, ensemble piece. Chris has challenged us to break
from our ‘typical’ methods for creating work and embrace a radically divergent creative process. What’s unfolded is a deeply moving and authentic dance work that embraces colour, chaos and connection, and invites audiences to engage in a way that is very rare for contemporary dance. We’ve seen audiences moved to tears, to song and to chant. It’s a very special gift to share.”
- Kyle Page, Co-Artistic Director Dancenorth Australia
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FUNDING
Lighting the Dark was commissioned by Brisbane Festival, and is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, and the Ian Potter Foundation. This
project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body. Dancenorth Australia is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, and by Townsville City Council. Dancenorth is supported by the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and receives funding from Creative Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Comprehensive media assets can be found here. For access to talent and prospective interview opportunities, please contact Marketing Manager, Jess Pedretti media@geelongartscentre.org.au
BILLING & CREDITS
Direction – Chris Dyke
Performers - Chris Dyke, Sabine Crompton-Ward, Tiana Lung, Aleeya McFadyen-Rew, Jag
Popham, Felix Sampson, Michael Smith
Concept & Choreography - Chris Dyke, Amber Haines, Kyle Page
Full billing and credits available here.
Full SEASON 2026 line up visit: www.geelongartscentre.org.au
TICKET PRICES
Full price - $45 - $59
Concession - $40 - $53
Group 10+ - $38 - $50
Under 30 - $30
Mob Tix - $20
*$6 transaction fee applies