An Ambivalent Woman of 37

Based on the novel Motherhood by Sheila Heti

November 15 & 16

Tickets from $25

See more and save! This performance is included in the 5-Show Dance Package ($120) and Flex Package (from $165). Learn more.

“An extraordinary feat”

— Sydney Arts Guide

“Unique, engrossing theatre”

— City Hub

“A sometimes absurdist, often darkly comic and always deeply compassionate ride”

— Dance Australia

Blending stunning movement with multimedia, live music, and theatricality, Emma Sandall’s tour-de-force performance An Ambivalent Woman of 37 confronts that most vexatious of questions: do I want a child? Based on Sheila Heti’s acclaimed book Motherhood, which was hailed by The Guardian as “a finely wrought work of delicate art,” this deeply personal show brings together a stellar lineup of talent with composition by Elena Kats Chernin, piano by Alessandra Volpi, creative direction by Emma Sandall, and consulting support from Paul Vasterling, Artistic Director Emeritus of Nashville Ballet.

Drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as Monty Python and the golden era of silent film, the production pulls no punches — intricately dancing between dark, absurdist humor and searing honesty as Sandall weaves her own response to Heti’s dilemma. This U.S. premiere was developed from a series of workshops between New York, Sydney, and Nashville.

ARTIST TALKBACK

Saturday, November 16

Saturday night ticket holders are invited to stay after the performance for a special talkback with Paul Vasterling, Artistic Director Emeritus of Nashville Ballet, and Emma Sandall. Paul will moderate the conversation and take questions from the audience.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Emma Sandall is a multi-award-winning, internationally acclaimed dancer. She has performed with companies including Bejart Ballet Lausanne, The Royal Ballet, Scottish Ballet and West Australian Ballet.

As an independent artist with a focus on choreographing works for stage and screen and developing innovative training methodologies, she co-founded Ludwig in Perth in 2010 and in 2013 created Body Playground in Sydney. Her choreography has been awarded a medal at the Rome International Choreography Competition and a finalist position at the Stuttgart Solo Dans Theater Festival. Her work Fleck & Flecker with Ludwig received the Most Outstanding New Work Award at the West Australian Dance Awards in 2013.

Emma has taught dance across Australia including for the Brent Street Academy, Sydney Dance Company, Strut Dance and Academy Ballet. She has had residencies and run dance workshops in Israel, Austria and Switzerland and has received numerous state and national grants to develop works and perform.

Emma has written regularly for Dance Australia Magazine and for Dance Magazine in the USA.