'IF EVER THERE WAS A TIME’ and PAUL TAYLOR’S ICONIC ‘ESPLANADE’
Fresh from performing Neil Ieremia’s highly acclaimed work, ‘Paradise Rumour’ at the Aichi Triennale in Nagoya, Japan, BLACK GRACE is absolutely thrilled to announce their groundbreaking tour in November.
In what has already been a mighty year for the company, two landmark anniversaries will converge in a powerful celebration of dance: the 30th anniversary of prolific dance company, Black Grace and the ’50th Anniversary’ of “Esplanade” the iconic work by legendary American choreographer, Paul Taylor.
The November double bill will feature a compelling, new world premiere by Neil Ieremia entitled ‘If Ever There Was A Time’ alongside Paul Taylor’s ‘Esplanade’ for strictly limited performances in Auckland at The Civic Theatre on November 21 and in Christchurch at The Isaac Theatre Royal on November 25 and 26.
Tickets will go on sale 15 October.
For his latest creation, Ieremia is embarking on a new creative process: after 30 years of meticulously planning each work, he now enters the rehearsal room without a fixed blueprint, allowing the premiere to be shaped through discovery, alive to spontaneity and the unexpected.
Ieremia explains, “My new work, ‘If Ever There Was A Time’ is to do with some universal truths. It’s about the things that we have in common and the things that connect us rather than the things that divide us. At times it’s a desperate lament, a pulsating charge, a soaring prayer of praise. This is my person protest, my quiet revolution.”
The November tour marks the first time ever, a professional New Zealand company has been licensed to perform Taylor’s work – this represents an historic collaboration
for Black Grace and Paul Taylor Dance Company that bridges continents, cultures and generations.
Ieremia says, “As a great lover of dance, I’m excited to be able to bring this truly iconic work to New Zealand audiences. ‘Esplanade’ is perhaps the late Mr Paul Taylor’s most acclaimed work and this presents an extremely rare opportunity for our dancers and audiences to experience something new in our own backyard. I believe great artists and their art, stand the ultimate test of time, and in an increasingly disposable dance world where discipline, form and plain old hard work are undervalued – this is a nod of respect to our rich history.”
In what is also a huge honour for the company, Director of Licensing for the Paul Taylor Dance Foundation, Mr. Richard Chen See will travel to New Zealand to hold rehearsals with the Black Grace dancers.
Paul Taylor’s seminal work ‘Esplanade’ is regarded as one of the most iconic and celebrated choreographies in modern dance history. Only previously performed once in New Zealand in 1999 by the Paul Taylor Dance Company itself.
Ieremia also shares a deeply personal connection to Taylor’s work. Renowned New Zealand choreographer, the late Douglas Wright danced for the Paul Taylor Dance Company in New York in the 80’s which shaped his style of choreography, in turn Ieremia who was working with Wright from the age of 20, was deeply inspired by Taylor’s work, which has been particularly evident in his use of composition and musicality throughout his long career.
Fans and followers can stay up to date with Ieremia’s new work as it unfolds by following @blackgracedanceco on Instagram.
In what promises to be a dynamic and diverse presentation of dance, these performances are unmissable.
Black Grace World Premiere ‘If Ever There Was A Time’ by Neil Ieremia and
‘Esplanade’ by Paul Taylor
Auckland – The Civic Theatre – 21 November @ 7:30pm
Tickets available from Wednesday, 15 October
Tickets: $45 - $99 *booking fees and levies will apply
@blackgracedanceco
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