Hofesh Shechter: Political Mother

Political Mother PIC CREDIT Gabriele Zucca

DANCE: UK

‘’As ambitious and as heads-down, hair-prickingly exhilarating as modern dance gets.” The Daily Telegraph (UK)

One of the UK’s most exciting contemporary choreographers brings his dramatic new work, Political Mother, to the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

Since exploding onto the dance scene in 2007, Hofesh Shechter has attracted widespread critical acclaim, and is in demand worldwide. The Daily Telegraph declared Political Mother an “audio-visual marvel’’, after its 2010 premiere. It was the Israeli-born choreographer/composer’s first full-length piece, although he had already developed a reputation – and awards – for his distinctive work.

“Hofesh Shechter is unlike any other choreographer. Not only are his charged and awe-inspiring steps instantly recognisable, [he] also writes the powerful and personal music that accompanies them,” wrote Mark Monahan in The Daily Telegraph. A band of live musicians delivers Shechter’s soundtrack for Political Mother, punctuated by rhythmic military drums and blazing electric guitars.

In 2007, London’s major dance venues, The Place, the Southbank Centre and Sadler’s Wells Theatre, collaborated to commission a new work by Shechter, in your rooms. Presented at all three venues to sell-out audiences, it won Britain’s Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Modern Choreography in 2008.

Political Mother, featuring Shechter’s stunning young company, promises to be an exhilarating experience, says Festival Artistic Director Lissa Twomey. “It’s a heart-swelling theatrical experience, incredibly powerful and moving. It’s unlike anything anyone here has ever seen before.’’

Political Mother is at the St James Theatre from 8 to 11 March as part of the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $38 – $88 available from Ticketek.

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