Compagnie Kafig Set for Byham Theater, 2/1

The Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, announces a presentation of Compagnie Käfig on Saturday, February 1, 2014, at 8:00 p.m., at the Byham Theater. Inspired by an encounter with eleven young dancers from Brazil, director and choreographer Mourad Merzouki created Correria and Agwa, two heart-stopping works.

Compagnie Käfig's all-male company from Brazil exhibits theatrical intelligence and astonishing dance, through a sensational combination of athletic samba, hip-hop, and capoeira dance styles. Bursting with fun, humor and vitality, this choreography is set to an energetic soundtrack of samba and bossa nova music.

Mourad Merzoucki has become an international phenomenon in dance. He draws creative strength from a circus and martial arts background. Mourad attended the school of circus when he was seven years old and through his fathers influence; he participated in martial arts, specifically karate. In 1989, he created his first Dance Company with other dancers, known as Accrorap. After traveling around the world to unknown lands, Mourad began to experience dance as a powerful means of communication and formed his own company in 1996, Compagnie Käfig. Since then, Mourad has created 21 works. Compagnie Käfig presents 150 performances a year worldwide- to sold out audiences and rave reviews. The New York Times commented, "One of the most innovative troupes on the experimental dance scene." The Boston Globe wrote, "Compagnie Käfig...a.k.a.: the cure for pretty much anything that ails you."

Tickets ($19-$55) may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square, online at www.TrustArts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. Subscribe to the 2013-2014 Dance Council season by calling (412) 456-1390 or online at www.TrustArts.org/dance.