Goethe Lounge: Life in Movement

Join us in honouring the life and legacy of renowned German choreographer and dancer Tanja Liedtke, whose work left a lasting mark on the dance scenes in Germany, Australia, and around the world. In 2007, Liedtke was appointed Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company, but tragically, her life was cut short in a road accident just before she could take up the role.

Directed by acclaimed Australian filmmakers Sophie Hyde and Bryan Mason, Life in Movement is a touching documentary about Liedtke's creative vision.

In response to Liedtke’s powerful artistic legacy, award-winning choreographer James Batchelor has created a new dance work Resonance which will have the world premiere in Sydney as a part of IDEA’25.

Resonance unites three generations of Australian dancers in a moving celebration of memory, connection, and reinvention. Featuring some of the original dancers that worked closely with Liedtke, Resonance recognises the dancer’s body as a living archive. With an intergenerational cast, including guest alumni from the Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional year, Resonance invites audiences into an intimate act of choreographic transmission. Resonance celebrates dance as a vital language of friendship, community and continual transformation, revealing the boundless creativity that emerges through its circulation.

The screening of Life in Movement will be followed by a conversation with Resonance’s choreographer James Batchelor and dramaturg Bek Berger, who will offer insights into their creative process and Liedtke's legacy.

Resonance will premiere at IDEA’25 on Sep 25. More information and tickets are available at FORM.  More information about James Batchelor and Collaborators can be found here.
 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Resonance has been made possible with the generous support of the Tanja Liedtke Foundation. It has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, supported by ACT Government through Arts ACT, Michael Adena & Joanne Daly, Keir Foundation, QL2 Dance, Canberra Theatre Centre New Works, Goethe-Institut, Sydney Dance Company through venue support and collaboration with the PPY students. and our circle of friends and supporters via the Australian Cultural Fund.

Goethe Lounge: A series of events at the Goethe-Institut in Sydney. Curated by our programming team and presented in collaboration with a range of Australian partner organisations. Live music, talks, and other events in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.

Accessibility note: This event will happen on the first floor, which is only accessible via a staircase. Unfortunately, our heritage building does not have an elevator. We apologise for the inconvenience; please get in touch if this is a concern or if you need assistance.

Photography note: By entering this event site you agree to being filmed or photographed as members of the audience. You may appear in photos or videos used for marketing or promotional purposes.

Parking: Street parking is available in the streets near the building. Please allow a few minutes to find a slot.

Acknowledgement: This event takes place on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. We pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather.