STRATA

Presented by VCA Dance and VCA Design & Production STRATA is a layering of movement and sound across three distinct but interconnected choreographic worlds. These layers are built upon a core of human and more-than-human connection, the variability of scale, and the material rigour of dance. Our 2026 Graduation Season presents three contemporary dance works by international and Melbourne-based choreographers: Louise Pōtiki Bryant, Rachel Coulson and Stephanie Lake. VCA Dance and VCA Design & Production students present choreographies and designs expressive of the layered perspectives that shape our contemporary practices. Louise Pōtiki Bryant explores the Tī Kōuka tree and its relationships to recovery and re-rooting into our places of being after environmental destruction in Te More | The TapRoot. In DEEP SEND, Rachel Coulson rigorously interrogates ascension, exploring speed, rhythms and varying time signatures. Circle Electric by Stephanie Lake starts as a microscopic investigation of the intricate and the intimate, ultimately expanding to encompass a telescopic view of humanity, in a new reworked excerpt for VCA, staged by Kimball Wong. Collectively these works layer sound, movement and meaning to traverse the possibilities of dance to express our connection to the worlds that surround us, and the ones we build for ourselves.

CreditsTe More | The TapRoot Choreographer: Louise Pōtiki Bryant Composer: Paddy Free

DEEP SEND Choreography: Rachel Coulson Sound Composition: Rama Parwata

Circle Electric (excerpt) Choreography: Stephanie Lake Restaging/Rehearsal Direction: Kimball Wong Composition: Robin Fox Circle Electric was originally commissioned by The Australian Ballet in 2024. With VCA Dance and VCA Design & Production students.

Ticket Prices$20 Full $15 Concession

DurationThis performance will run for approximately 2 hours including an interval. Any latecomers will be admitted at the discretion of Front of House.

Content InformationThis performance contains theatrical haze (water-based), strobe / flashing lights, sustained loud noise, and sustained heavy bass.

Venue InformationThis event takes place in Space 28, located on the ground floor of the Dodds Street Performing Arts Building. Please meet Front of House in the foyer to be admitted to the event space.

Image: Diamond Rain, 2025. Image by Gregory Lorenzutti.

Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to secure your seat. Due to high demand, if you have not arrived by the start of the event, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door. Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety. Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour.

PARKING The City of Melbourne has changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine.

ACCESSIBILITY We are committed to making our events accessible and will accommodate requirements wherever possible. All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us at fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au if you have any questions. Read more about accessibility at our venues.