The Sydney Dance Company captivated a crowd of 5,000 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus last week, performing Impermanence as part of the Athens Epidaurus Festival 2025.
Set against the historic backdrop beneath the Acropolis, the emotionally charged performance explored the fleeting nature of existence through movement and music.
Choreographed by artistic director Rafael Bonachela and set to a score by Bryce Dessner – known for his work on The Revenant and The Two Popes – Impermanence drew inspiration from global tragedies such as the 2019 Australian bushfires and the Notre-Dame fire.
The piece fused elements of contemporary ballet, yoga, and modern dance to deliver a powerful reflection on transience and resilience.
Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, hailed the performance as a personal milestone, having hoped to see Australian artists take the iconic stage in Athens.
“It was incredible to watch the wonderful Sydney Dance Company perform ‘Impermanence’ before 5000 people in that amazing venue,” she said.
Alongside the performance, the company also hosted an inclusive dance workshop in collaboration with local Greek dance groups including Exis Inclusive Dance Company, LIMINAL Dance, Playground for the arts, and Prosxima Dance Company.
Led by dancer Richard Cilli, the workshop brought together dancers with and without disabilities to explore self-expression and bodily equality through movement.
Ambassador Duncan praised the initiative, calling it “deeply empowering” and commending the company for being “wonderful representatives of Australia’s arts sector.”
The appearance marks a major cultural exchange milestone and highlights Australia’s bold artistic presence at the festival, which also featured Back to Back Theatre’s provocative production The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes.
