Jasmin Vardimon's Pinocchio at Sadler's Wells and on tour
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
THIS Autumn, award-winning choreographer Jasmin Vardimon will create a brand new adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Pinocchio. Part of a national tour, the production will receive its London premiere at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on October 24 and 25, 2016.
A conscience is that still small voice that people won’t listen to. Carlo Collodi
Based on the original book by Collodi and performed by Jasmin Vardimon’s multi-talented dancers, Pinocchio will bring to life the famous marionette as he embarks on a fantastic journey to become a human boy.
Showcasing Vardimon’s uniquely theatrical choreographic and directorial style, Pinocchio will combine physical theatre, quirky characterisation, innovative technologies, text and dance to examine the idea of what it means to be human.
With insightful humour, engaging drama and an acute observation of behaviour, Pinocchio will take audiences on a wonderful journey of discovery through the parameters of this timeless and beloved fable.
Jasmin Vardimon will also be choreographing The Royal Opera House Covent Garden’s forthcoming production of Wagner’s Tannhäuser which opens in April.
Jasmin Vardimon said: “I find unique curiosity in re-discovering this original 1883 classic tale. Going back to the original Collodi’s novel allow us to critically examine the assumptions of ourselves and others about what it means to be human.”
A leading force in British dance theatre for nearly twenty years, Jasmin Vardimon has built a reputation for challenging, exciting and visually stunning dance and continues to add to the body of critically acclaimed, artistically respected yet accessible work both for the company she formed in 1997 and for some of the leading dance companies across the world.
Born and raised in Israel, she has been an Associate Artist at Sadler’s Wells since 2006. She has also been recognised with the positions of Associate Artist at The Place in 1998 and at Yorkshire Dance as a Partner from 1999 – 2005. Last year she was awarded an honorary doctorate from The Royal Holloway University.
Enjoying sell-out performances across the UK and internationally, Jasmin Vardimon Company’s works include: Freedom, 7734, Yesterday, Justitia, Park and Lullaby. In 2015, Jasmin Vardimon Company collaborated with The Turner Contemporary in Margate and the architect Ron Arad and artist Guy Bar-Amotz on the critically acclaimed immersive performance Maze.
Pinocchio’s first public performance will launch Kent’s International Family Festival bOing! on August 27. The national tour begins on September 29 at Dance City in Newcastle Upon Tyne before continuing to Aberdeen, Yeovil, Exeter, London, Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Lincoln and Ipswich.
To book tickets for Sadler’s Wells, call 020 7863 8000 or visit www.sadlerswells.com.