Come, Been and Gone

Michael Clark represents modern dance. He is notorious for bringing the glamour worlds of art, music and fashion into his choreography and onto the stage. His latest work, Come, Been and Gone , delivers a stunning combination of rock, modern dance and classical ballet inspired by the music of David Bowie. Created to celebrate the 25 ^th anniversary of the Michael Clark Company, the show was a critically acclaimed hit of the 2009 Edinburgh Festival. Come, Been and Gone comes to Australia as part of the Melbourne International Arts Festival and Beat caught up with one of the principle dances in the ensemble, Melissa Hetherington, to discuss the upcoming show.

David Bowie provides and music and inspiration behind Come, Been and Gone, and the show also features the music of Bowie’s collaborators, such as Lou Reed and Iggy Pop, as well as some of his influences like The Velvet Underground. "Michael [Clark] has a huge admiration for Bowie," Hetherington explains of creator Michael Clark, who began traditional Scottish dancing at the age of four, tudied at The Royal Ballet School in London, joined Ballet Rambert and became resident choreographer at London’s Riverside Studios. He launched his own company in 1984 and Come, Been And Gone has toured the world with rave reviews before coming to Melbourne.

One of the starting points for the show was Clark’s desire to use Bowie’s song, Heroes. "Michael has wanted to use that piece of music for a very long time and had been working on Heroes for 18 months [prior to commencing Come, Been and Gone]”, Hetherington says. Bowie’s music is the key to not only the inspiration for the show but also to the feel and atmosphere. It is iconic in the use of rock, costumes and lighting, and Clark uses a combination of minds that have been working in collaboration for years for Michael Clark Company.

Lighting design is by Charles Atlas and the costumes have been designed by Richard Torry and Stevie Stewart, who use bold and deep colours from the rainbow. There are modern neck-to-toes lycra, striped suit jackets and fur, as well as half naked figures common to a lot of contemporary dance. The lighting by Atlas directs the senses and completes the visual splendour in Come, Been and Gone.

The show is divided into three parts. The first is a revised piece that Michael Clark did in the ‘80s, called Swamp, the second part based on Lou Reed’s music, followed by the main attraction of David Bowie in the third and final act. Despite the synchronising acts, the music often changes from show to show. Hetherington explains, "It’s never surprising if new music is used throughout the show, which keeps things exciting. We’re never quite sure if the show’s going to be the same." The learnt choreography is maintained and so is the style; however, the impact, impression and tempo may change. “We’re very used to working with different music, I think we find that quite easy and it’s nice to change the music and to keep the choreography fresh," Hetherington says. It also brings a raw energy that cannot be mimicked or studied, with movements that are as bold as first steps.

Clark’s classical training aids in his emphasises on movement. Come, Been and Gone focuses on the origins of movement, not just how it looks or appears. Dancers move from the back, pelvis and shoulders. Hetherington says "it’s not just about making shapes, but about the movement." Come, Been and Gone is modern in its moves and contemporary in its complexity, yet the show maintains Clark’s classical background and brings precision to each David Bowie motivated move. The music and inspiration progress beyond sounds when Heroes plays and Bowie is projected onto the screen, and dancers moving in a choreographed interaction with Bowie the Hero himself.

Come, Been and Gone is part of the Melbourne International Arts Festival. Shows begin on Friday October 8, tickets range from $42 to $97.50 for adults, $25 for students and $31.50 for concession. For more information visit the Melbourne Festival website.