Entertainment
3 August, 2025
Show has special meaning
SCHOOL students from across Gimuy (Cairns) previewed a new contemporary dance work, championing inclusivity, kindness and friendship in a free performance at St Andrew’s Catholic College last Friday, before its national tour in 2026.
Gurambilbarra (Townsville)-based contemporary dance company Dancenorth Australia has secured funding to support a national tour of Lighting the Dark – a first-of-its-kind dance work directed by Chris Dyke in collaboration with Dancenorth’s co-artistic directors Kyle Page and Amber Haines.
Lighting the Dark premiered at Brisbane Festival in 2024, making history as Australia’s first mainstage contemporary dance work to be directed by an artist living with Down syndrome.
Mr Dyke said he was excited to share Lighting the Dark’s message of optimism and unity with school students in Gimuy before touring Australia in 2026.
“The work is about spreading happiness, love and connection to all those who see it,” he said.
“The world needs some light in the darkness, and it feels like an important time to remind people about the power of friendship, creativity and hope.
“I’m very happy to have the opportunity to share Lighting the Dark with young audiences in Gimuy (Cairns).”
Mr Page said the show carried important lessons for audiences of all ages.
“Lighting the Dark carries a deep message – that we’re all in this together, in the most wonderful of ways. It challenges prejudice and champions inclusivity, and it does so with a warmth that allows audiences to leave the theatre feeling uplifted, connected, and hopeful,” he said.
