Manifesto at Arts Centre Melbourne

Nine dancers and nine drummers are set against a watermelon-coloured velvet curtain. Then all hell breaks loose.

That’s the crux of Stephanie Lake Company's Manifesto, a wild percussive clash of physical theatre and music that debuted at the 2022 Adelaide Festival, before going on to have sold-out seasons at that year’s Rising, Brisbane Festival, Sydney Festival and Perth Festival. Now it’s back in Melbourne for a run at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse theatre.

Choreographed by Stephanie Lake and composed by lights, laser and synth guru Robin Fox (a familiar face at Rising and Dark Mofo), Manifesto sees drummers and dancers working together in sweaty, escalating unison. Beginning as individual duos, the intensity of the piece increases as the performers combine, their rhythm and movements become more complex, energetic and propulsive over the 60-minute duration.

With previous seasons selling out – its slot at Rising sold out in one hour – Manifesto has just completed its first international tour to Ruhrfestspiele Recklinghausen festival in Germany. With tours booked for Europe, the UK, New Zealand, North America and Asia, this is a rare chance to catch Manifesto at home.

More details and book tickets.

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