Celebrated New Zealand choreographer Michael Parmenter’s powerful new work with the New Zealand Dance Company confronts the classical Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice through a ravishing mix of movement, music and voice.
OrphEus-adanceopera
Rich with contemporary themes and artistic allusions, OrphEus explores not only questions of seduction and resistance but is also a stimulating encounter with the notion of artists as agents for change in society.
Parmenter has drawn on a ravishing musical score, including Rameau and Charpentier, reflecting a period during which the ancient Greek hero invoked a harmonious cosmos and a hierarchical political order. Since then, Orpheus has come to represent arts power to transcend suffering and death.
In this richly layered, epic dance work Parmenter brings these contending perspectives into conflict and dialogue. OrphEus confronts the power of music and voice in both the personal and the political realms, revealing, in this familiar story of love and loss, the tensions between seduction and restraint, harmony and disorder.
Parmenters incredible vision is brought to life by The New Zealand Dance Company, performing alongside Grammy Award-winning American tenor Aaron Sheehan, baroque ensemble Latitude 37 and special guests.
Years 9-13: Dance, Music
Schools tickets: $20
Date: Friday 9 March at 7pm
Venue: The Civic
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Michael Parmenter - RNZ interview
Credits
NZDC Chief Executive and Artistic Director: Shona McCullagh
Producer: Behnaz Farzami
Choreographer: Michael Parmenter
Dramaturg: Keren Chiaroni
Set Designer: John Verryt
Costume Designer: Tracy Grant Lord
Lighting Designer: Nik Janiurek
AV and Sound Designer: David Downes
Music Advisor: Marc Taddei
Rehearsal Director: Claire O'Neil
Dancers: Carl Tolentino, Chrissy Kokiri, Katie Rudd, Sean MacDonald, Lucy Marinkovich, Eddie Elliot, Bree Timms, Toa Paranihi, Oliver Caruthers
Voices: Aaron Sheehan, Nicholas Tolputt, Jayne Tankersley & William King
Musicians: Latitude 37 with Mary Grace (Polly) Sussex, Miranda Hutton, Sally Tibbles, Jonathan Le Cocq
Co-produced by
Michael Parmenter's name is synonymous with bold and innovative contemporary dance, challenging, thought provoking and fulfilling.
— The Press
