Details

Mixed African and Caribbean music and dance. This piece forms a double bill with Gertrud by Simon Ellis. Running time: approx 1 hour (Listen 30mins, Gertrud 30mins). Choreographed by Douglas Thorpe with Artistic collaboration by Gail Parmel, Listen is about modern day war and the effect that this has on the psyche. Dancers explore post-traumatic stress, living with the memories and experience of war and conflict. The impression that witnessing the horrors of war has on your life, trying to put the pieces back together while your memories drag you back into the past. This piece also explores relationship breakdown and power struggles between men and women, reflecting the emotional landscape of a lover leaving to go to war and returning a changed person. The piece uses a range of techniques, fast and precise staccato phrases, in contrast with eastern style, ultra controlled, haunting, movement and mime, all designed to disarm and unsettle the audience. ACE dance and music is known for creating work with African and Caribbean movement influences: low body stance, isolation and ancient practices. This is evident in Listen – alongside powerful Japanese video projections.

Creatives/Company

Company: ACE Dance Company