“La Monde” magazine writes that: "Edward Lock flips classical dance upside down. What intensity! 75 minutes of extreme tension! A spectacular performance...
The “La La La Human Steps” group was established by Jewish Canadian choreographer Edward Lock in 1980, in a small theater called “La Escobal” in Montreal. The company was later invited to perform in The Kitchen - the most important avant-garde dance center in New-York. Since then, thanks to Lock’s unique artistic style, the company has been considered one of the most famous and most important in the world.
Amjad, Lock's new creation which will be performed in Tel-Aviv, is a variation on his other creations. The roots of this piece are planted firmly within the world of classical ballet. This piece is based conceptually and practically on two of Tchaikovsky's most famous ballets: “Swan Lake” and “Sleeping Beauty”. Edward Lock describes: "Amjad is a creation that enabled me to revisit the history of “Swan Lake" and "Sleeping Beauty” and work with that memory. My role is to surprise the audience, amaze them and make them think. My interest in these pieces arises from the music and from the fact that Tchaikovsky was the first serious classical composer who wrote music for ballet. I chose these two pieces in order to free myself from the narrative that often limits the choreographer's creativity”.
The music in Amjad has a significant role. This is an original creation by contemporary composers Gavin Briars, David Lang and Blake Hargraves, who re-envisioned Tchaikovsky, using familiar melodies and rearranging them into a modern piece, which transforms the lyrical into the abstract. The music is performed on stage on piano, cello and two violins.
The dancers in Amjad dance en pointe in accordance with the tradition of classical ballet, but the aesthetic that is created is that of modern dance, with fast delivery, creative independence and visual techniques which include huge video screens.
“La Monde” magazine writes that: "Edward Lock flips classical dance upside down. What intensity! 75 minutes of extreme tension! A spectacular performance, invulnerable... the duets are brutally erotic due to the choreography’s supersonic speed… His insane, hyper active style is fully realized here… the particularly sexy effect he achieves en Pointe is incredible..." (November 24th, 2007)
The “Performing Arts House" Series, 12/01/2009 – 14/01/2009
The Opera House – The Performing Arts House
19 Shaul HaMelach, Tel Aviv
