Dance Umbrella 2008: 30 September - 8 November

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Julie Guibert / Jean-Baptiste André (France)
devant l’arrière-pays / comme crâne, comme culte

Thu 30 & Fri 31 October, 8pm
The Place: Robin Howard Dance Theatre

Two consummate French artists, Julie Guibert and Jean-Baptiste André, perform solos choreographed specifically for them. Both pieces make sparing use of music and movement, giving an almost Butoh-like intensity of focus on the performer and, in the process, challenging perceptions of contemporary dance.

In Stijn Celis’ devant l’arrière-pays, Julie Guibert gives a riveting performance of a starkly abstract yet intimately sensual work. Celis’ choreographic writing is at once minimal and rich, and Julie - a former dancer with Lyon Opera Ballet, Cullberg Ballet and Russell Maliphant Company - meets the challenge with dazzling elegance.

In comme crâne, comme culte by Christian Rizzo, Jean-Baptiste’s identity is concealed beneath motorcycle leathers and helmet, an anonymity which allows the audience to become absorbed in a slowly evolving drama of pure movement.

UK PREMIERE

‘Her presence was enough to transport the spellbound audience.’
LE MONDE

‘Jean-Baptiste André turns into a true Spiderman, squarely standing on his hands and feet, then turning upside down, a vine which bends but never breaks.’ LES INROCKUPTIBLES

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