Utopia
choreography, music, lights: Emanuel Gat
additional music: Chick-p
costumes: Holly Knowles
photographies: Camille Fenech
duration: 55’
premiere: Teatru Manoel, Valletta, 2023.
dancers:
Choreography, being a practice of organising groups of people in action, can and must be a manner of pointing towards ideal forms and systems for individuals and societies. Regardless of the achievability of these utopian models, the fact a certain choreographic system shows clear evidence of being beneficial for the group involved, is of great value. It is a daily practice of striving to achieve - within the artistic realm - that which is un-achievable (and probably has no place) in the real world. “Utopia” is the result of a collaboration between Emanuel Gat and the ŻfinMalta’s dancers, a celebration of their uniqueness, virtuosity, engagement, fearlessness, sense of responsibility and humanity. “Utopia” charts the personal journeys of ten individuals looking for connection and examining the role of the performer as an onstage, live creator.
Emanuel Gat was born in Israel and first danced with the Liat Dror Nir Ben Gal Company before setting out as an independent choreographer in 1994. His company Emanuel Gat Dance is based in Marseilles, France. His unique and personal approach to choreography and dance making has him ranked as one of Europe’s leading and most prolific choreographers working today. Over the past 25 years, Gat’s work has been presented in most of the leading venues and festivals for dance worldwide.
Under the artistic direction of Paolo Mangiola, the National Dance Company of Malta (ŻfinMalta) is a talented and adaptable dance ensemble with a diversity of creative voices reflecting the many influences that form today’s Malta. Established in 2014, the company is one of the country’s leading public cultural organisations, at the forefront of Malta’s contemporary art scene.
Sensuality, delicacy and complicity.
© MusiCultura
