Date(s): 12 November 2010
Time(s): 7:30 pm
"The most musically revealing choreographer today...His best works are amongst the finest by any choreographer alive" The New York Times
"40 years on, Alston keeps the faith" The Observer
Richard Alston is quite simply one of the most musical choreographers in the world - every step he makes lives and breathes the spirit of the music he chooses. His deep response to melody and rhythm, the way he sculpts a dancer's body in space, and the tripping, rhythmic intricacy of the dancer's footwork - all these are compelling facets of Alston's gift.
This season, Alston weaves together music by the Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev, the great American songwriter Hoagy Carmichael, and the 17th century French composer Denis Gaultier in a rich and uplifting programme.
Even More is driven by the sharp contrasts of Prokofiev's brilliant sixth Piano Sonata. Terse anger melts suddenly into a sweet lyricism. Both music and dance deal with the complexity of Prokofiev's character, warm and irascible by turn.
"This powerful piece threatens to burst through the confines of the stage" The Guardian
Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms has a sense of intimate small space, marked out by light spilling through windows. Very much inspired by the paintings of Vermeer, the dance is accompanied by the quiet sensuality of 17th century lute music played live by James Woodrow.
"A lovely portrait of lovers' intimacy which captures the turbulent privacy of the world of Vermeer paintings" Daily Telegraph
Shuffle It Right is danced to private recordings made by the American songwriter Hoagy Carmichael, who himself sings, whistles and plays piano on them. The songs Alston has chosen - including Riverboat Shuffle, Ol' Man Harlem and, of course, Star Dust - scurry along with wry little licks and punched out syncopated rhythms.
"Sent me home insanely happy" The New York Times
Price: £11.50 - 17.50
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Nicolson Street
Edinburgh EH8 9FT
Box Office
0131 528 6000
www.festivaltheatre.org.uk
