Rinse: Amrita Hepi’s show about beginnings is a mid-career masterpiece
The internationally acclaimed fusion of choreography and monologue, co-created by Hepi with Mish Grigor, is a witty exploration of beginnings
Amrita Hepi's groundbreaking show, Rinse, premiering at the Sydney Opera House, masterfully explores the concept of beginnings. Set on Gadigal land, Hepi, an Auslan interpreter and dancer, takes the audience on a unique journey through time, emotion and tradition.
Hepi's monologue, filled with approximately 20 repetitions of the phrase "in the beginning," delves into a range of beginnings – from profound moments like the creation of gods Ranginui and Papatūānuku to more mundane examples like the preheating of an oven. The choreography, a blend of various First Nations choreographies, postmodern dance, pop culture and yoga poses, showcases Hepi's subtle and multiple traces, combining simplicity and complexity.
The show pays homage to various influences, including Western choreographers like Beth Dean, Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, Yvonne Rainer and Pina Bausch, as well as contemporary pop culture icons such as Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Hepi also incorporates musicals, movies and even a television watching session, demonstrating her ability to merge high art with popular culture.
Despite its ambitious scope, Rinse manages to maintain a balance between lightness and precision, inviting the audience to participate while subtly implying the need for change. As Hepi admits, the show has been touring internationally for four years, and it may be time to conclude this particular journey of beginnings. However, the success of Rinse is a testament to its enduring beauty and the potential for future collaborations between Hepi and her co-creator Mish Grigor.
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