Exposed (Sydney Opera House) ★★★1/2

Choreographed & directed by Michelle Ryan. Restless Dance Theatre. Sydney Opera House 30 Aug – 3 Sep, 2023.

Exposed, the new piece by Restless Dance Theatre, unpicks the moments of daily life, and our interactions with others. Inspired by a moment from Artistic Director Michelle Ryan’s life, Exposed looks at the combination of vulnerability and strength that it takes to be a person living in the world.

The ensemble of dancers, mixing those with primarily intellectual disabilities and those without, begin the day with a breath, before stepping out into the world. Over the course of the hour, they encounter micro-aggressions and moments that balance the need for self-reliance and empathy for others. They channel their fears and their resilience into movement.

The musical accompaniment by Hilary Kleinig and Emily Tulloch (formerly of Zephyr Quartet) has what I can only describe as “finale-of-Bridgerton” intensity. It’s alternatively sweepingly romantic and at times aggressive or unsettling. The performance is hugely enhanced by the striking set design and lighting by Geoff Cobham. I was mesmerised by the use of a single, metallic sheet of material that is at times a menacing force, a swirling cocoon or a shield. Its simplicity is breathtaking.

All these elements combine to put the focus on the dancers. I’m not an expert on dance, so I’m approaching this from the point of view of an interested punter. Ryan’s choreography (devised with the ensemble) works with the bodies on stage and works around their limitations. It’s filled with humour and heart. One moment, with a dancer simply pushing others around with his feet, is charmingly innocent and playful, while others are laced with confusion and violence.

Exposed is a wonderful piece of diversity, but it is not limited to being just that. The dancing and storytelling are sharp and strong, and this ensemble brings themselves to their performance in a way that feels freeing. It’s a beautiul Opera House debut.