AN ADAGIO CHRISTMAS Returns To The Downstage Stage December 4-20

The tinsel, the tantrums, and a fat man in a suit: The 2008 circus smash hit Adagio returns with a new Christmas adaptation

In 2008 Adagio took circus to a sophisticated new level with a bold mix of physical theatre, live jazz and comedy. Audiences were enthralled and reviewer comments included:

"Adagio offers a beautifully crafted hour of existential physical theatre."
John Smythe, theatreview.com

"What a circus, what a show. Go see!"
Laurie Atkinson, the Dominion Post

Epic and intimate, thrilling and thoughtful, bold and original, Adagio is back at Downstage this December with a new Christmas adaptation of the show with new acts, new artists, new music and the festive spirit.

Director Deborah Pope: "An Adagio Xmas is a gift for the whole family. It is about to burst off the stage with live music and new acts . It's wickedly funny, beautifully sad and as special as Xmas can be." Deborah Pope continues: "Adapting it for Christmas has got us all into a festive spirit and we can't wait to share it with you. It's not all carols and candle light - there are moments of irreverence and audiences will laugh as they recognise familiar Christmas scenarios."

Explore the crazy, funny and isolated worlds of seven characters and the beautiful, scary and spectacular moments when they break free and connect with each other. A story of mischief and camaraderie with jaw dropping acrobatics, stylish physical theatre and side splitting comedy, set to live jazz performed by Rosie Langabeer and Jeff Henderson, including music by Jonathan Crayford
An Adagio Christmas is a great family show with all ages appeal, Downstage and Awkward Productions have gifted the entire opening night to 160 children in the care of Child, Youth and Family.

"The community has demonstrated its support of Downstage this year, so we want to do something in return." says Hilary Beaton, CEO of Downstage. "We were wondering who we could approach when we realised - who better than those young people who can't be with their families at Christmas." said Ms Beaton.

"Our kids have fewer opportunities than most to experience a spectacle such as this. Child, Youth and Family is overwhelmed by the generosity of Downstage in devoting opening night to our people," said Jo Field, Central Regional Director for Child, Youth and Family. "It's important for all kids to have a wide variety of experiences. Going to the play and meeting the actors will give these children a memory that they will cherish long after the curtain falls," said Ms Field.

An Adagio Christmas

Dates: 4-20 DEC

Times: 6:30pm Tue-Wed and 8pm Thu-Sat. Plus late Night - Wed 9pm

Prices: $25 to $45. Meet the Artists: Tue 8 DEC

Matinee: Sat 12 & 19 DEC @ 2pm, Sun 20 DEC @ 4pm

Starring
Mason West, Rowan Heydon-White, Angela Green, Jenny McArthur, Rosie Langabeer, Asalemo Tofete, Jeff Henderson

Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at (04) 801 6946 or in person at Downstage's box office. For up-to-date information visit www.downstage.co.nz Downstage is proudly sponsored by BNZ.

Deborah Pope Concept & Direction

Deborah Pope trained in circus in Paris and London. She has worked with Britain's premier visual, circus, opera and theatre companies and her solo work includes The Royal Opera, Bill Bryden's The Big Picnic, and circus theatre companies Ra Ra Zoo. Her own company No Ordinary Angels' international work includes Circus Oz, Munich, Melbourne, Cadiz, Edinburgh and New Zealand International Arts Festivals. Their prize-winning show Deadly was commissioned and produced in Brazil and sold out the London International Mime Festival 2000.

Deborah has choreographed for film, television, opera and theatre, including Faust for the RSC and directed large scale events for The Docklands International Festival, The Guildhall, The Circus Space, Cambridge Corn Exchange and Covent Garden.

She produced and directed New Zealand's first New Circus, was Head Coach at the Millennium Dome and has created installations for The Tramway, Glasgow and Three Mill Island. Deborah has taught at all levels, both technically and creatively. For three years Deborah was Associate Director of Circus Oz, Australia's leading contemporary circus. Back in New Zealand for the past two years she has set up the Wellington Circus Trust, created New Zealand's Circus Festival, Perilous, Wellington Civic Square 06, directed Heavenly Burlesque and Gravity and Other Myths (Prize winners Wellington Fringe 2005/6) and Circus Proms, with the Wellington Vector Orchestra.

To post a comment, you must register and login.