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Duo of European dance giants at Laban Theatre

Wed 13 March 2019

From virtual reality to adolescent abandon, Trinity Laban hosts two acclaimed international dance companies this March, showcasing the best of contemporary dance work being created in Europe.

One of Poland’s most innovative and experimental dance companies, Polish Dance Theatre is known for the interdisciplinary theatre and unique choreography which has attracted universal praise. On 14 and 15 March the company will present a rare UK performance of their thought-provoking Forefather’s Eve_copy.doc

Inspired by Polish Romantic writer Adam Mickiewicz’s narrative poem Forefathers’ Eve, and American sci-fi writer William Gibson’s Sprawl Trilogy, the work combines dance, medicine and futuristic technology in a modern reflection on the ideas of ritual and mortality.

Following sell-out shows across the UK, Scotland’s national contemporary dance company Scottish Dance Theatre brings Fleur Darkin’s fantastically edgy and sensuous Velvet Petal to London on 20 and 21 March. 

Set to a fresh dance-punk score, and inspired by Patti Smith’s memoir Just Kids which documents her relationship with controversial American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, this is an homage to the punk era transplanted into the 21st century.

The whimsical and energetic work, which has drawn rave reviews from the likes of The Stage and The Guardian, has become one of the company’s most iconic pieces and showcases their exceptionally talented troupe of dancers.

Choreographer Fleur Darkin comments –

Velvet Petal is about change – how humans change by themselves or through relationships with others. It’s about those times in your life when you must transform yourself. I spent a lot of time researching the photographic process and the Polaroids of Robert Mapplethorpe, which inspired me to see things in a new way. We think we understand at first glance but actually, it’s when we spend time letting the object communicate with us that the magic happens.”

Experience both seminal works this spring with Trinity Laban’s 2 for £20 ticket offer. To redeem the offer, simply use the code SPRING20 when booking online.

Polish Dance Theatre: Forefather’s Eve_Copy.Doc

19.30h | THU 14 & FRI 15 MAR | Laban Theatre
Age guidance 16+ (contains nudity)

 Scottish Dance Theatre: Velvet Petal

19.30h | WED 20 & THU 21 MAR | Laban Theatre
Age guidance recommended 12+  

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Images L-R: Forefather’s Eve_copy.doc Polish Dance Theatre, Velvet Petal Scottish Dance Theatre