On 11 March 2010, after a four-week American tour – where the New York Times described him as ‘…the finest choreographer the British modern dance scene has ever known’ – Richard Alston and his fabulous young company returns to Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon.
In the twelve months since Richard Alston Dance Company’s last visit, Alston has created a triumphant Carmen for Scottish Ballet, been awarded the 2009 De Valois Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance and been appointed the Chair of Youth Dance England.
The performance at Brycheiniog last May was also cited as one of The Western Mail’s ‘Cream Of The Arts’ performances in Wales in 2009.
A new triple bill features the latest work by former company dancer Martin Lawrance, To Dance And Skylark, and a new production of Alston’s Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms alongside a revival of 2003’s Overdrive.
The grand finale of the evening is Overdrive. In the tradition of Alston classics such as Rainbow Bandit, Strong Language and Roughcut, it is a response to the relentless energy and rhythm of its score. The dance catches the urgency of Terry Riley’s Keyboard Study No 1 and runs with it to the wire. The movement shifts, changes direction, curves up, over and under – but never once pauses for breath.
Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms, inspired in part by Vermeer’s iconic portrait, Girl With A Pearl Earring, is accompanied by lute pieces composed by the Baroque master, Denis Gaultier, and more recently composed music for the mandolin. It’s Alston at his most intimate and gently telling.
To Dance And Skylark is Martin Lawrance’s sixth work for Richard Alston Dance Company. It is a joyous celebration of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and Lawrance’s high-spirited, athletic choreography reflects all the elation of the music.
Richard Alston Dance Company is at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, on Thursday 11 March at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £14.50 (£12.50 concs plus 50p booking fee) and are available online from www.theatrbrycheiniog.co.uk or by telephone on 01874 611622.
Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, is one of Wales’ foremost arts centres with a wide-ranging programme of music, theatre, dance and comedy. Its funding partners include the Arts Council Of Wales, Powys County Council and Brecon Town Council.
