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The incredible Hofesh Shechter Company last appeared at the NAC with Uprising and In your rooms, which had been commissioned by The Place, Southbank Centre, and Sadler’s Wells Theatre in a unique collaboration between London’s major dance venues. The double bill was presented to rave reviews and sold-out audiences in all three venues. Universal acclaim is something to which the company must be getting accustomed, as it happens consistently in every venue around the world. The company now returns with Political Mother, Hofesh Shechter's first full-length work.
Hofesh Shechter is no ordinary choreographer and Political Mother is no ordinary piece of contemporary dance. A trained musician and former rock drummer, Hofesh demonstrates his unique talents by composing the music -- as well as the choreography -- for his work. Political Mother is a hard-driving, high-energy experience described by one newspaper as "Part dance show, part heavy-rock gig, this is a marvel of son et lumière, as ambitious and as heads-down, hair-prickingly exhilarating as modern dance gets." The cast features 11 superbly athletic dancers as well as half a dozen drummers and guitarists. WARNING: The music in Political Mother is not only performed live, it is also very LOUD. One observer claimed -- erroneously, I'm sure -- that the music is loud enough to rearrange your internal organs.
Winner of the Critic’s Circle National Dance Award for Best Choreography (modern) in 2008, Hofesh Shechter is a true original. Always puzzling over the mechanisms of state and society, Shechter is fearless when it comes to tackling large themes and social issues, and Political Mother is a questioning exploration of politics, oppression, and survival. The bold, blazing movement -- iconic, stamping choreography, a blur of energy and intensity -- and pulsating music fuel a complex Chinese puzzle of startling encounters and images onstage. Martial-looking percussionists, a row of live guitarists, a roaring Stalinesque dictator haranguing a fascistic political rally -- all challenge our perceptions of what is "normal." The existential anguish; the uniquely tribal, hunched, sexy movement; the cinematic, spot-lit “jump-cuts” between different parts of the stage – all are here, but cranked up to a new, astonishing level. Writing in The Times (London), Debra Craine says, "This is one angry piece, delivered like a roar of defiance in the face of an omnipotent, malevolent force. It's visceral, painful and very very exciting."
Political Mother is an apocalyptic piece fusing the raw and honest physicality of contemporary dance with a heart-pounding rock score -- come be a part of it! Stay for the talkback with the company on November 9:
Post-Performance chat. Opening Night Friday, Nov. 9, 2012
Join Bruno Guillore, Rehearsal Director after the show on Friday, Nov 9th for a special post-performance chat to share your experience of the performance. The 20 minute chat will take place in the theatre right after the show.
NAC Dance Master class with Artists from Hofesh Shechter Company
This Hofesh Shechter Company workshop will be based on Shechter’s distinctive and urban choreography. Led by members of the Company; Frédéric Despierre, Edouard Hue and Merel Lammers. Drawing on Shechter’s own specific technique, workshop leaders will help participants find their way into this young company’s edgy style.
- Saturday, November 10th from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
- The class is for pre-professional-advanced level ballet / modern students and dancers
- (Aged 16 and up). 20 participants maximum
- Location: Rehearsal Hall B, National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin Street, (Enter by Stage Door).
- Cost: $25 As space is limited, registration in advance is requested. Contact Kirsten Andersen, Dance Outreach Coordinator kirsten.andersen@nac-cna.ca or Tel: 613-947-7000 ext 588 to reserve.
