Leading Dance Theatre Company Comes to THE EDGE

Leading Dance Theatre Company Comes to THE EDGE

Tumbleweeds tumble, lizards slither and flowers blossom as the natural beauty of the American desert landscape dances to life when leading American dance theatre company Momix performs its visually stunning production of Opus Cactus in Auckland in February 2004.

For the first time ever in New Zealand, THE EDGE®, in association with Columbia Artists Management Inc, presents Opus Cactus in the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE® from February 10-15.

Inspired by the giant saguaro cactus of Southwest America, Opus Cactus is the creation of American dance legend Moses Pendleton, co-founder of Pilobolus Dance Theatre and founder of Momix.

Based in Washington, Momix is known for its mind-boggling and body-bending images and has been celebrated worldwide for its ability to conjure up a universe of surrealistic images using props, light, shadow, humour and the human body, blurring the boundaries of classical ballet, modern dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, aerial arts and human puppetry,

Sold out at the Verona Festival in Italy, Momix’s Opus Cactus has wowed audiences throughout the world, and now, in this strictly limited Auckland season, THE EDGE® gives New Zealand audiences the opportunity to see the astonishing talents of this dance theatre company.

Opus Cactus is Moses Pendleton’s sensual celebration of the natural beauty and indigenous creatures of the American Southwest’s Sonoran Desert – from the fluttering cactus wren to the slithering human Gila monster.

“It’s very sensuous and very organic,” Moses Pendleton says. “I use the dancers’ bodies to connect the flora and fauna.”

Opus Cactus also features an eclectic array of music – from Bach to Brian Eno – and full-stage puppet creations by Michael Curry, one of the creators of the puppets for Disney’s The Lion King.

“… there are enough of those patented Momix moments – when your eyes forget to blink and your breath forgets to come out – to make ‘Cactus’ another winning addition to the repertory” – Newsday

“The beauty of Momix’s ideas is partly in their simplicity, partly in their acknowledgement of rhythm, humour, sex and amazing grace of the human body.” – San Francisco Bay Guardian

“This zany group got off to a rip-roaring start as a packed house clamoured for more.” – The New York Times

Tickets for Opus Cactus at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE® go on sale on December 15. Book at Ticketek 09 307-5000 or online at http://www.ticketek.com

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