After wowing crowds at Perth Festival, French contemporary dance company, Compagnie Montalvo-Hervieu, is now touring to Adelaide and Sydney to perform their exhilarating dance work, Good Morning, Mr Gershwin.
Through live music, spoken word, hip-hop, slamming, tap and contemporary dance, the company led by visionary French choreographer, José Montalvo and dancer, Dominique Hervieu, celebrates and pays homage to the sheer inventiveness of American composer, George Gershwin and his musical repertoire.
Regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting contemporary dance companies and a leader in the integration of live performance with video technology, Compagnie Montalvo-Hervieu are based in one of the most down-trodden areas of Paris, Creteil. A suburb synonymous with high unemployment, race-provoked violence and crime, Creteil is also the home of the hip, back to front lingo of the underclass, Verlan.
The cultural diversity within the Creteil community suited and interested choreographers, Dominique Hervieu and José Montalvo. The mix of youth and age, different religions, amateur and professional dancers have provided the incredible raw talent on display within the company. The company’s resonance within the community impressed the local government and funding has been generous.
With choreography by Montalvo and Hervieu, Good Morning, Mr Gershwin, interpreted by 15 artists, is set against a backdrop of immense and emotive scenery – featuring Broadway musicals and Hollywood movies of the 1930s. The dancers interact with their video counterparts, bringing to life the irresistible glamour of the time with some of Gershwin’s best known Broadway classics.
The second part of the evening draws upon the stirring music of Gershwin’s controversial opera, Porgy and Bess. Set in the African-American enclave of Catfish Row in South Carolina, this modern opera-ballet contains some of Gershwin’s most popular hits such as Summertime and It Ain’t Necessarily So.
During his brief but extraordinary life, George Gershwin crafted some of America’s most defining and memorable music. Drawing on influences from jazz, blues, Russian-Jewish folk harmonies and classical music, his style defied tradition and challenged the social conventions of the time.
Gershwin’s work is complemented perfectly by the innovation of choreographers Montalvo and Hervieu, who effortlessly blend cultures and dance genres with unrivalled integrity, humour and expertise.
In June 2008, Montalvo and Hervieu were appointed Directors of the renowned contemporary dance centre, Théâtre National du Chaillot.
Adelaide Season
Dates: March 10th-13th
Venue: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Contact: BASS 131 246 www.bass.net.au
Sydney Season
Date: April 8th-10th
Venue: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: from $39
Contact: 02 9250 7777 or www.sydneyoperahouse.com
For further information visit www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/good_morning_mr_gershwin.aspx
Please note: Video footage contains nudity
WIN a Double Pass to the Opening Night of Good Morning, Mr Gershwin at the Sydney Opera House
Email info@danceinforma.com.au with your name, age and address to go in the draw.
Enter today!
| NSW Permit Number LTPM/09/00769 CLASS: Type B. Competition opens Mar 2nd 2010 and closes Mar 26th 2010. Winners will be selected at random on Mar 27th at 9:00am EST and notified by email. There is 1 double pass available for April 8th 2010. All entrants must provide all details requested. Tickets will be held at the box office at the Opera House for the winner. The winner’s name will be published at www.danceinforma.com after he/she is announced. |
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