Phoenix Dance Theatre present Belonging: Loss. Legacy. Love

Alongside two world premieres – Miguel Altunaga’s Cloudburst and Marcus Jarrell Willis’ Terms of Agreement – this will be the first-time the Leeds-based company has toured Dane Hurst’s acclaimed Requiem (excerpts).

Requiem by South African choreographer, and former Phoenix Artistic Director, Dane Hurst is a powerful reimagining of Mozart’s awe-inspiring choral masterpiece, and an emotional response to the grief experienced by so many around the world during the pandemic. The critically acclaimed production premiered at Leeds

Grand Theatre last year as part of LEEDS 2023: Year of Culture in a co-production with Opera North and South African partners Jazzart Dance Theatre and Cape Town Opera.

In his first stage commission for Phoenix, Afro-Cuban choreographer Miguel Altunaga premieres his daring new work, Cloudburst. Altunaga first collaborated with Phoenix in 2022 to create the dance film EBÓ as part of the company’s inaugural Digital Programme. In a continuation of that work, Cloudburst explores mankind’s relationship to tribe and community, mythology and spirituality, ritual and surrealism, and how choices made by our ancestors shape our culture as well as our very being. The performance will be set to a new score by composer David Preston.

Terms of Agreement is Texas-born Marcus Jarrell Willis’ first creation for Phoenix, and is the third work of his choreographic series Terms & Conditions. Focusing on the more ethereal, spiritual and kismet perspectives, it unravels the eternal question: what is true love? Further to understanding this, once you have negotiated the terms, will you accept the agreement? Terms of Agreement includes original written compositions by Tomos O’Sullivan and music by various popular artists.

Marcus Jarrell Willis, Artistic Director, says: “Building upon the resounding success of Phoenix Dance Theatre’s last tour which fittingly reflected on the company’s remarkable 40th anniversary, Phoenix is now poised to direct its focus forwards. Marking this latest chapter for the company we are embarking on a tour of new choreographic works, including two world premieres.”

Marcus Jarrell Willis took up the position of Phoenix Dance Theatre Artistic Director in October last year.

He continues: “I am thrilled to be contributing my own creation to this versatile program and it has been a privilege for me working with our exceptionally gifted dancers to craft my first work for Phoenix. I believe that this mixed bill will speak to every audience member at each theatre we visit. The emotions we feel during the different stages of our life and the questions we ask about our past, present, and future shape who we are and inform our sense of belonging. The sentiments expressed through these three works will resonate differently with each individual present in the audience, allowing space for both an impactful and memorable experience.”

Praise for Phoenix Dance Theatre:

 “A dance company of world renown”

Yorkshire Post, 2022

★★★★★

“Stunning”

The Times on Requiem 2023

★★★★

“the performances of the works in the programme are very well put together which constitutes an excellent evening of dance”

Fairy Powered Productions on Belonging: Loss. Legacy. Love

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Belonging: Loss. Legacy. Love

York Theatre Royal Main House

03 May 7:30pm

04 May 2:30pm

04 May 7:30pm

Running time: 2 hours (includes interval)

Age guidance: 8+

Box office 01904 623568 | yorktheatreroyal.co.uk