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York Theatre Royal is delighted to welcome back Yorkshire's leading contemporary dance company, Phoenix Dance Theatre, as they present a new mixed bill of inspiring and entertaining dance works from four international award-winning choreographers. The company will be performing at York Theatre Royal from 26-27 April.
Internationally acclaimed choreographer Javier De Frutos kicks off the evening with Los Picadores, co-commissioned by the 5th International Festival of Contemporary Dance - La Biennale di Venezia, by returns to the dramatic music of Stravinsky’s Les Noces, re-imaging this iconic choral work for dance as a violent, carnal struggle between men and women – the high octane movement sharpened by top fight director, Terry King.
Phoenix also presents the world premiere of Henrique Rodovalho’s Pequenas Alegrias (Little Happinesses). This internationally renowned Brazilian makes his UK choreographic debut with Pequenas Alegrias, a Phoenix commission. Henrique Rodovalho’s multi-media new work features a rhythmic mix of traditional and modern Brazilian music, blending samba with electronica. Henrique showcases his high-energy fusion of contemporary, classical and popular dance forms.
A rare revival of the late Jane Dudley’s powerful 1938 solo Harmonica Breakdown and Henri Oguike’s percussive Signal conclude the repertoire of five contrasting and musically diverse dance works presented for the Spring 2007 national tour.
Set to Sonny Terry’s Blues music, Jane Dudley’s 1938 masterpiece, Harmonica Breakdown was created as a direct response to the Depression in America and the forced migration of the workers to find a fertile place to work and raise their families. The company has been working with Sheron Wray, custodian of Harmonica Breakdown, who says: “In Jane Dudley’s Harmonica Breakdown, a lone female dancer creates a poetic representation of an individual’s steadfast struggle towards self-respect and dignity. Against almost impossible odds her indignation blooms, giving birth to a radiant soul.”
Henri Oguike is renowned for strong musicality in his choreography and in Signal five dancers are pitted against the pounding rhythms of Japanese Taiko drums.
Phoenix Dance Theatre’s spring season culminates with two international performances at the prestigious 5th International Festival of Contemporary Dance of La Biennale di Venezia (29 & 30 June). Phoenix presents a triptych of Javier De Frutos’ choreographic works for the company on the influence of eros in art – Nopalitos, Los Picadores and Paseillo, which premieres at London’s Sadlers Wells on 1 – 2 June.
In January 2007, Phoenix was the recipient of the coveted Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for the ‘Company Prize for Outstanding Modern Repertoire’, presented for the Stories in Red mixed bill. The awards have rapidly become the dance event of the year drawing together the entire industry in sharing the very best of both contemporary dance and ballet in the UK. The company also received two Awards nominations for Stories In Red from the South Bank Show Awards (Dance Category) and the Manchester Evening News (Dance Category).
Theatre Choreographer’ for his work on Cabaret. Javier was delighted to win the award, saying: "As the competition was fierce, I was not expecting it. This is my first musical." Cabaret was also nominated for the ‘Theatregoers Choice Award for Best Choreography in a Musical’.
As an independent choreographer, Javier has been nominated for three Laurence Olivier Awards in the last four years, including his very recent Award for ‘Best
Phoenix Dance Theatre proudly presents four contrasting and musically diverse dance works includes Henri Oguike’s fiery Signal, a world premières from award-winning choreographer and new Phoenix Artistic Director, Javier De Frutos, a world première and Phoenix commission for Brazil’s Henrique Rodovalho, making his UK choreographic debut, and finally a rare revival of the late Jane Dudley’s powerful solo Harmonica Breakdown.
Formed in 1981 in inner-city Leeds, Phoenix Dance Theatre has grown to be one of Britain's leading international dance companies. As a repertory company, Phoenix aims to bring together the best choreographers from the international contemporary dance world. A diverse company of dancers works with these choreographers and the Artistic Director to create innovative work, which is communicative, highly accessible and represents the cultural diversity and experience of life in multi-cultural society. Phoenix is inclusive and open to people from all backgrounds. The company has a commitment to widening access to dance through its education, audience development and creative programmes. Phoenix Dance’s highly acclaimed programme of education work promotes participation in the arts as a stimulating and creative pursuit within schools and community settings.
The production is suitable for Children ages 11+.
Tickets for this eagerly awaited production are priced between £10.00- £18.00, with tickets for Under 25s and Students at £5.00 and can be purchased at the York Theatre Royal Box Office or by calling 01904 623568 or visiting www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
For more information on Phoenix Dance visit -
www.phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk
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