Cella by Paul White and Narelle Benjamin

Presented by Arts House as part of Dance Massive.

Leading contemporary dancers Narelle Benjamin and Paul White come together for an evolutionary new dance work.

Inspired by the building blocks of life—cells—Cella explores the idea that the most complex patterns imaginable in our biological systems can be found repeated in all of us. The culmination of the shared histories, practices and interests of its creators, the work is a stunning meditation on the wonder of the human body.

Human movement is taken to extremes as the dancers perform astonishing solos, then come together in wonderful mirror images that offer insight into the physiological world we inhabit and the natural symmetry that surrounds us. In a world where we’re all trying to be different, desperately striving to be individuals, Cella celebrates the beauty of our collective similarities.

"Eloquently, elegantly and passionately performed, Cella is haunting, powerful and hypnotic." - Dance Magazine

"A thing of beauty." - Dance Australia

Accessible performances:
Wheelchair accessible

Choreography and performers: Narelle Benjamin, Paul White
Concept: Narelle Benjamin
Composer: Huey Benjamin with additional music from The Necks and Colleen
Lighting Designer: Karen Norris
Costume Designer: Justine Shih Person
Producer: Jenifer Leys

Supported by Cella is supported by the New South Wales Government of Australia through Create NSW; and the City of Melbourne through Arts House. Supported during development by Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch. Premiere supported by the Tanja Liedtke Foundation and co-produced with Colours International Dance Festival.

Image by Pippa Samaya.