Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre returns to Israel with performances in the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Centre Dance Program, and a special one time only performance at the Jerusalem Theatre. The company has performed to enthusiastic audiences in Israel and on this tour will be presenting two separate programs, each program closing with Alvin Ailey’s signature work: Revelations.
Founded in 1958 by Alvin Ailey, the company’s current Artistic Director is Robert Battle, who has choreographed several works for the company, including Takademe, The Hunt, In/Side and Unfold, which will be presented on the Israeli tour.
Program One:
Arden Court (1981) by Paul Taylor – set to baroque music by William Boyce, this is the first work by Taylor to be performed by the company.
Home by Rennie Harris – Hip Hop, inspired by the personal stories of people living with HIV, with a gospel house music score by Dennis Ferrer and Raphael Xavier.
Revelations by Alvin Ailey (1960) – this uplifting work has become an anthemic work for the company, performed time and again throughout the world. I first saw it as a child and each time I see it, it is a revelation, a joyous celebration of spirit.
Program Two
Memoria by Alvin Ailey (1979) – music by Keith Jarrett, a work the choreographer dedicated to “to the joy…the beauty…the creativity…and the wild spirit of my friend” the late Joyce Tisler.
Takademe by Robert Battle (1999) – music by Sheila Chandra, a humorous deconstruction of Indian Kathak dance rhythms.
The Hunt by Robert Battle – percussion soundtrack by Les Tambours du Bronx. An athletic work for six male dancers, exploring the relationship between modern sports and the rites of the gladiators.
Revelations
Jerusalem Program
Streams by Alvin Ailey (1970) – a percussion score by Miloslav Kabelac. This was the first full length, non-narrative dance work choreographed by Alvin Ailey, an abstract exploration of bodies in space.
In/Side by Robert Battle (2009) – a solo for a male dancer, exploring inner struggles, with music by Dimitri Tiomkin; words by Ned Washington; sung by Nina Simone.
Unfold by Robert Battle (2005) – music by Gustave Charpentier, sung by Leontyne Price. A sensual duet.
Night Creature by Alvin Ailey (1975) – a sparkling starlit tribute to Duke Ellington’s Night Creature.
Revelations
Performance Dates and Times:
Tel Aviv Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC) – October 2 at 20:00 (Program One); October 3 at 20:00 (Program Two); October 4 at 20:00 (Program One); October 5 at 13:00 (Program Two); October 5 at 21:00 (Program One); October 6 at 16:00 (Program One); October 6 at 21:00 (Program Two). To order tickets, call: 03-6927777.
Jerusalem Theatre, September 29 at 21:00. Tickets may be ordered online. http://www.jerusalem-theatre.co.il/webSite/modules/events/events.aspx
