Requiem, half of Stephen Bayne’s Elegy, is haunting and beautiful.

The 26- person Victoria Opera Chorus provided the soundtrack, Richard Robert designed the simplistic yet dynamic set, and Nigel Levings supplied lucid lighting. With the exception of the female dancers’ pink slippers, Anna French designed all black costumes- another nod at the morbid theme. Female dancers donned sheer black sheaths with varying sleeve and skirt lengths, while male dancers were clad in black trousers and tops that also had varying sleeve lengths.

Marilyn Jones, truly revered by Australians as their original prima ballerina, graces the stage once again in a featured role. She weaves wisdom, but does not dance. Rather, her presence is symbolic of the wafting uncertainty of death. She was one of the Principal Artists in The Australian Ballet’s first season 1962 and danced all the major roles in the company’s repertoire.