VARIANT

Award-winning choreographer Sue Healey is empowered by empowering others and always brings fresh and talented performers to the stage. Those lauded ideals of inclusiveness and valuing diversity are personified in her casting. She sees talent in all its shapes, sizes and variations – one size never fits all. “We want to challenge stereotypes and confront what society feels is normal,” she says. “Dance isn’t about the cult of the one ideal body type. Dance can be serious and entertaining even when its cast may appear outside our very narrow ideas and confines of what a dancer should be.”  She hopes to eradicate prejudices and typecasting of artists and this is evident in this new dance work. The piece is made up of six eclectic dancers including Kiruna Stamell, a short-statured actress, comedian and dancer who proves being small is no handicap. Variant will showcase the full gamut of human emotions. It is funny, dark and ironic and a celebration of the human body through movement.

Written by Kathryn Yuen

Jul 26-Aug 4, The Reginald, Seymour Centre, Cnr City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale $22-32, 9351 7940, seymourcentre.com