Phoenix Dance Theatre has announced details of its spring 2018 season, which includes the much anticipated world premiere of Windrush: Movement of the People by Artistic Director, Sharon Watson. The company will tour this new production as part of a mixed programme that continues to demonstrate the company’s internationally respected athletic power.

The programme includes Calyx by Sandrine Monin – Dance Europe’s ‘Best Premiere of 2017’ – and the much-loved touching drama, Shadows by Christopher Bruce CBE.

Windrush: Movement of the People

This brand-new production for 2018 marks the 70^th Anniversary of the arrival of SS Empire Windrush, the ship that famously brought the first large group of migrants from the Caribbean to the UK. A lively celebration of multicultural Britain, Windrush spans the spirit, history and heritage of Caribbean culture resulting in an uplifting dance production that shines a light on an important era of the history of black people in the UK.  Set to a soundtrack inspired by the sounds of the Caribbean by the award-winning Jazz musician Garry Crosby, played live at West Yorkshire Playhouse and  Saddlers Wells’ Peacock Theatre, Windrush highlights both the struggles and good times the Jamaican community experienced.

Calyx

Calyx debuted last year and is making a name for choreographer and company dancer, Sandrine Monin. Described by Dance Europe as ‘the first thrilling manifestation of an interesting new choreographic voice.’ Calyx has been inspired by the infamous ‘Flowers of Evil’ by Charles Baudelaire, and sees love as both muse and curse. The work explores the themes of beauty, desire, sin and decadence, set to a sweeping original score by composer Roberto Rusconi.

Shadows

Returning to the stage after four years, Shadows is an audience favourite which is now featured on the AQA GCSE Dance curriculum. In this moving and thoughtful piece of dance theatre, the renowned choreographer, Christopher Bruce, investigates human experience and suffering.  Set in the mid-twentieth century and taking the family dynamic as its central theme, Shadows explores some of the deepest fears and daily struggles faced by people all over the world.

The mixed programme will tour to:

West Yorkshire Playhouse
7-10 Feb 2018 Book Now>

Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
20 Feb 2018 Book Now>

Everyman, Cheltenham
27 Feb 2018 Book Now>

Cast Doncaster
7 March 2018 Book Now> 

Curve, Leicester
9-10 March 2018 Book Now>

Schrittmacher Festival, Aachen Germany
22-25 March 2018 Book Now>

Peacock Theatre, Sadlers wells, London
26-28 April 2018 Book Now>

Northern Stage, Newcastle
9-10 May 2018 Book Now>