Photo Flash: Company XIV's THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS Plays Duo Theater Through Feb. 1

Following critically acclaimed performances at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland (Pick of the Fringe), the 10th Annual Festival Internacional de Puebla in Mexico, and 303 Bond in Brooklyn, Company XIV proudly presents a revival of their hit show, The Judgment of Paris. Dubbed by the company as "A dramatic entertainment," this erotically charged show fuses theater, dance, music, naughty cabaret and can-can! The Judgment of Paris is conceived, directed and choreographed by Austin McCormick, with adapted text by Austin McCormick and Toby Burns.

Inspired by the Greek myth "The Judgment of Paris", in which the first ever beauty contest occurred, and informed by the stage directions of the Baroque Opera, The Judgment of Paris (by John Weaver), Company XIV tells an epic story of lust, love, and tragedy, illustrating the events that lead to Paris' fateful decision to award Aphrodite the golden apple in exchange for Helen of Troy. This decision launched the Trojan War, resulting in years of blood shed and catastrophe. The Judgment of Paris explores archetypes prevalent in Greek literature, tracing them through history, equating Helen of Troy (the first blonde bombshell) to other blondes throughout time...Marilyn, Marlene, Brigitte Bardot, etc. Humorous interludes, supplied by Offenbach's comic opera La Belle Helene, tantalize throughout the evening. Equal parts classical, contemporary, historical, and pop art, The Judgment of Paris defies easy categorization. 

The show features music by Marlene Dietrich (Blonde Women, Maybe I'll Come Back, Look Me Over Closely), Arvo Part (Cactus in Memory of Benjamin Britten, Stabat Matter), Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (Quando Corpus), Antonio Vivaldi (Cum Dederit Dilectis Suis Somnum) and Jacques Offenbach (La Belle Helene).

Company XIV is a non-profit mixed media dance/theater company based in Brooklyn, NY. Founded by Artistic Director Austin McCormick in 2005, the company works in the mediums of live dance/theater and film. Company XIV is contemporary, yet baroque inspired, with a mission to produce compelling theatrical dance productions that create a beautiful affecting experience. Company XIV is the resident company of 303 Bond St., a space converted from a tow truck warehouse to a theater.

Austin McCormick's work has been produced at Lincoln Center's Peter Jay Sharp Theater, Alice Tully Hall, Clark Studio Theater, Alvin Ailey Studios, Symphony Space, The Kennedy Center in DC by City Dance, and James and Martha Duffy Performance Space at the Mark Morris Dance Center in NY. Austin's unique blend of Baroque vocabulary in conjunction with contemporary movements and theatrical staging is commanding attention. In 2007, he was the recipient of the Susan Braun Award, a grant given to oNe Young choreographer/filmmaker by Dance Films Association, supporting new choreography for the camera. Subsequently, his dance film Folies d'Espagne premiered at the Walter Reade Cinema in Lincoln Center in January 2008 and has been selected/screened at Galerie Michel Journiac in Paris/France and CineDans International Film Festival in Amsterdam. Dawn Lille of Art Times called the film "a rich, sensual and beautifully costumed work inspired by Baroque dance." Austin has performed with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet of New York. He graduated in 2006 with a BFA from the Juilliard School and trained in Baroque Court dance from the age of eight with dance historian Régine Astier at the Conservatory of Baroque Dance, from which he graduated with Honors.

The design team includes Leigh Allen (Lighting Design), Olivera Gajic (Costume Design) and Rumiko Ishii (Set Design) and Austin McCormick (Sound Design).

Running time is one hour. Trains: F, V to 2nd Ave. or 6 to Bleecker St. B-roll is available upon request.

The Judgment of Paris will run January 8th to February 1st, 2009 in a limited 4-week engagement at The Duo Theater, 62 East 4th Street, between 2nd Avenue and Bowery in NYC. Previews begin January 8th for a January 10th opening. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $35 and $20 for students/seniors and can be purchased online at www.SmartTix.com or by calling 212-868-4444. Mature content - no one under 16 will be admitted.

For more information on Company XIV and the show visit www.CompanyXIV.com.

Photos by Steven Schreiber