National Dance Company Wales' new double bill
Stacey MacNaught |
National Dance Company Wales has kicked off 2017 with a UK-wide Spring Tour, performing two works; one by internationally renowned choreographer Roy Assaf, the other a brand new piece by the company’s artistic director, Caroline Finn. This double bill gives an insightful flavour of both the talent of the company, and the inventive and ambitious direction in which National Dance Company Wales is travelling.
The Green House is Finn’s second theatrical work as Artistic Director for NDCWales; an intense and melancholic, but often romantic, piece performed in solos and duets, asking what happens when we prune our lives. Finn takes us on a nostalgic journey where, on a twisted TV set, characters are confronted with who they really are. Profundis, by Israeli-born Assaf, is a provocative ensemble piece, challenging how the audience interprets the meaning of the work that is made and seen. Featuring wordplay, vintage bathing costumes and an exotic soundtrack, Profundis was first performed in a short NDCWales tour in Autumn 2016, and is Assaf’s first work in the UK.
Alongside the performances, the company will host a series of events and activities, to give audiences of all ages an opportunity to give dance a try. Discover Dance performances are a 90-minute introduction to dance for families and schools, in which audiences get a chance to learn some moves, get on stage with the company dancers, watch a short performance of Profundis and ask the dancers anything they’d like.
This supports National Dance Company Wales as an award-winning company, presenting work by some of the most celebrated international choreographers alongside creations by exciting new Wales-based talent. It is committed to working with young people, many of whom will be experiencing contemporary dance for the first time, to develop dance appreciation by watching, participating in and talking about dance. The company also presents opportunities for the public to experience contemporary dance in different ways. Through participation in various engagement activities on tour, such as workshops or interactive performances, audience members experience an introduction to the art form in a relaxed and open environment.