Betroffenheit
120 minutes, including intermission.
A Kidd Pivot, Electric Company Theatre co-production
Created by Crystal Pite and Jonathon Young
Premiered on July 23, 2015 at Bluma Appel Theatre, Toronto, Canada
Written by: Jonathon Young
Choreographed and Directed by: Crystal Pite
Performers: Bryan Arias (2015-2017), Christopher Hernandez (2018), David Raymond, Cindy Salgado, Jermaine Spivey, Tiffany Tregarthen, and Jonathon Young
Composition and Sound Design: Owen Belton, Alessandro Juliani and Meg Roe
Set Design: Jay Gower Taylor
Costume Design: Nancy Bryant
Lighting Design: Tom Visser
Rehearsal Direction: Eric Beauchesne
Additional Choreography: Bryan Arias and Cindy Salgado (salsa), David Raymond (tap)
A state of shock and bewilderment encompasses you in the wake of a disaster. It is a timeless, liminal space where you return again and again even as you struggle to gain and maintain distance, and where you keep responding to the disaster long after it has subsided. Here, a crisis-management team is keeping your emergency situation alive and present, a trusted voice is urging you to come to terms with the past, and a steady supply of “The Show” is available for all the distraction, escape and pleasure you crave. In one sense you’re the survivor and this is your refuge. In another, you’re the disaster waiting to happen. This new creation by two of Canada’s most celebrated companies is an innovative, boundary-stretching hybrid of theatre and dance.
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Named as one of the Best Dance Shows of the 21st Century by The Guardian:
“The subject matter in itself carries enormous emotional clout, but it’s the craft that elevates this piece to genius levels.”
“The choreography and performances…were enthralling, I was so engrossed I nearly forgot to breathe…an evening of dance/theatre that’s as thrilling as it is affecting.” – Mooney on Theatre
“Betroffenheit is a stunning testament to what can happen when life turns into art.” – Martha Schabas, The Globe and Mail
“Utterly compelling…one of the most visually memorable and emotionally powerful performances of the festival.” – Chris O’Rourke, The Examiner (Dublin)
“All we can say is, ‘Wow.’” – The Georgia Straight
“Pite is an image-maker of rare distinction.” – The Australian
“Jonathon Young is radiant. This guy always looks like he’s lit from within.” – The Georgia Straight
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AWARDS
Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production (2017)
Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards: Georgia Straight Critic’s Choice Innovation Award (2016)
Dora Mavor Moore Awards: Outstanding Production (2016)
Critic’s Circle National Dance Awards: Outstanding Performance in Modern Dance (Jonathon Young) (2016)
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PHOTOS
VIDEO