Direct from the prestigious Théâtre National de Chaillot in Paris, and following sold-out seasons and standing ovations in New Zealand, at the Holland Dance Festival and in Germany, The New Zealand Dance Company proudly presents one of its most sought-after and celebrated programmes— Lumina. Three incomparable pieces of contemporary dance explode off the stage in “ground-breaking” and “hypnotic” (NZ Herald) spectacles resulting in a “tour de force of dance, music and light” (DANZ).

Artistic Director Shona McCullagh tasked the three dynamic creative teams with creating a world where light was the connective force of the programme. Featuring some of The Netherland’s  and New Zealand’s finest choreographers, composers and designers, Lumina is a rich world “presenting a veritable explosion of fantastically illuminated spaces, images and superbly performed contemporary dance” (NZ Herald)

New Zealand choreographer Malia Johnston and her long-standing creative partners, composer Eden Mulholland and AV designer Rowan Pierce created Brouhaha—a bold, loud and energetic world in which the dancers are explorers and artful unravelers of rawness and refined beauty, described as “a tour de force of dance, music and light.” (DANZ)

Māori choreographer Louise Potiki Bryant and composer/AV designer Paddy Free (Pitch Black) created In Transit—a thoughtful work which is a vivid reflection of the traces left behind in the Māori ritual of encounter. 

Stephen Shropshire (USA/Netherlands) created the company’s first international commission in a co- production with the Holland Dance Festival. Created in collaboration with composer Chris O’Connor (The Phoenix Foundation), The Geography of an Archipelago sees a trio of dancers exploring the emotions that accompany exile and belonging. 

Powerful designs by Jo Kilgour (lighting) and Kasia Pol (set and costume) across all three works creates an immersive and integrated world for the audience to experience.

Receiving a 4 (out of 5) star review at the world’s most respected dance festival and excellent audience feedback in Europe and New Zealand, Lumina promises a great evening of high energy dance, visceral and charismatic music, and stunning design.

“Lumina revealed a depth of talent in every aspect of the production, with lighting, costumes and production matching the virtuosity of the dance works.” (DANZ)