Orbit 2026: Charcoal – Sydney Dance Company, Dawes Point

About this event

Charcoal is a contemporary dance work by Keia McGrady. Its central stage image is formed by two dancers marking the performance surface with charcoal. The work uses the physical act of marking as a material link between body, landscape and memory. The production is informed by cultural burning and considers Country, lineage and cycles of rebirth held in the land. Its stated artistic framework combines ancestral knowledge, family collaboration, spirit, memory and land; movement becomes an offering and the body becomes a canvas. The current touring production credits Keia McGrady as lead artist and performer and Amelia Jean O'Leary as performer. Joshua Santospirito and Waveney Yasso are credited with sound composition; Santospirito is also sound engineer, Jason James is lighting designer and AV, and Noah Johnson is original costume designer. The Sydney performances are part of ORBIT, a touring initiative led by Australian Dance Theatre, Dancehouse and Sydney Dance Company.

Cast & creative

• K

  Soloist

  Keia McGrady
• A

  Contemporary Dancer

  Amelia Jean O'Leary
• J

  Sound engineer

  Joshua Santospirito
• J

  Lighting designer

  Jason James
• J

  Av technician

  Jason James
• N

  Costume designer

  Noah Johnson