Beyond Twelve (1980 - )

Stringer, Walter: David Palmer (front), David Burch and Kelvin Coe in Graeme Murphy's 'Beyond Twelve', the Australian Ballet, 1980

Research Materials | Other Resources

Beyond Twelve, commissioned by the Australian Ballet from Graeme Murphy, opened on 8 May 1980 at the Sydney Opera House. Danced to Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major it had designs by Alan Oldfield and was lit by Christopher Maver. The opening night cast was David Palmer as Beyond Twelve, David Burch as Beyond Eighteen, Kelvin Coe as Beyond Twenty-Five and Sheree da Costa as First Love.

In his program notes for that first season Murphy wrote: 'The storyline for Beyond Twelve is my own, though much inspiration comes from the artistry of Kelvin Coe, the exuberance of the unique David Burch and the freshness and energy of David Palmer. Sheree da Costa, with whom I have often worked, continues to delight this choreographer with her talent and understanding of my style'. The work was Murphy's look at the life and loves of a young boy growing up and maturing as a dancer. In 2002 it was the inspiration for the Australian Ballet's fortieth anniversary program Beyond 40.

See also: Australian Ballet, The ; Coe, Kelvin ; Murphy, Graeme

---

Research Materials

Ephemera | Oral history | Picture | All

---

Other resources

Find more about Beyond Twelve in:

• Internet - Google
• Articles - New York Public Library Dance Collection
• Pictures - Picture Australia