Image: Chris NashJavier De Frutos’ is well-known for his work with New Zealand Ballet and Rambert Dance Company. Recent awards include the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Choreography (Modern) and a Time Out Award as well as an Olivier Award nomination. Although he often works with abstract ideas rather than stories, Javier’s work is theatrical, evocative and passionate. His exquisite choreography draws out exuberant and intense performances from our dancers. Jean-Marc Puissant’s stunning set design and the atmospheric ranchero music add a dash of Mexican flavour to the work of this maverick choreographer.
“filled with such ravishingly sensual rhythms that he
makes even death sexy.” The Times
Click for Javier De Frutos Biography
Image: Chris Nash
Arthur Pita: Snow White in Black
Arthur Pita’s work is infused with drama and offbeat humour and demonstrates his impeccable visual sense. For Phoenix, Arthur works his magic on the macabre folk tale, Snow White. He combines the grisliest versions of this Grimm Brothers’ story with a Hollywood legend’s questionable approach to motherhood. A cast of outlandish characters spring from Pita’s inventive imagination into a startling monochrome world, created by designer, Jon Bausor.
“a work of perverse originality, fabulously staged and expertly performed.” The Guardian
Click for Arthur Pita Biography
Image: Chris Nash
Darshan Singh Bhuller: Laal
Following the recently acclaimed Planted Seeds, Source 2 and
Eng-er-land, Darshan Singh Bhuller presents a powerful new piece for a solo dancer. Laal (Hindi for Red) draws on our associations with this most passionate and symbolic colour. Fennesz’s shimmering blanket of sound surrounds the dancer with an ethereal chorus of organ tones and electronics.
“a dense, wheeling dialogue between movement and light that showcases the physical gifts of its dancer” The Guardian
Click here for Darshan Singh Bhuller's Biography
Click here to see a short series of excerpts from Laal (1MB Quicktime)
Click here to see a short series of excerpts from Laal (1MB WMV)
Image: Anthony Crickmay
Ben Duke and Raquel Meseguer: Pave up Paradise
A witty and irreverent examination of guilt, innocence, and lust for forbidden fruit.
Rising stars ‘Lost-Dog’ (Ben Duke and Raquel Meseguer), won critical acclaim on the Edinburgh Fringe. Their duet for Phoenix revisits Adam and Eve after the Fall, bickering over the blame for their loss of Paradise. The duo’s dynamic movement is by turns confrontational and sensual, complemented by spoken word interludes. Jim de Zoete’s acoustic arrangements of Jeff Buckley, Strokes and Gomez tracks provide an emotive soundtrack.
Burgos International Choreography Competition: First Prize
“a tightly crafted and dynamically danced illustration of how easily we pave the road to Hell with our good intentions” The Sunday Express
Click here for Ben Duke & Raquel Meseguer's Biographies
Click here for further images
Click here to see a short series of excerpts from Pave up Paradise (1MB WMV)
Image: Anthony Crickmay
Stories in Red…bad apples, monstrous
mothers and wayward women…
Join Phoenix as we celebrate our 25th anniversary with a tempting selection of danceworks. This diverse mixed bill includes a solo from Darshan Singh Bhuller, a duet from Ben Duke & Raquel Meseguer and Sadler’s Wells co-commissions from acclaimed choreographers Arthur Pita and new Artistic Director Javier De Frutos.
“Phoenix showcases its fresh and vibrant spirit.” The Times
Click for STORIES IN RED tour dates