Arthur Pita's THE MOTHER Comes to QEH

Bird & Carrot presents, The Mother, a visionary, avant-garde piece of dance theatre by choreographer, director Arthur Pita.

The Mother is a truly original piece that satisfies on all levels, from its stunning visual imagery to the downright weirdness of its characters and the eerie musical score.

The Mother is a powerful, narrative dance production choreographed and directed by Arthur Pita which has its London premiere at the Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall in June. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's dark tale, The Story of a Mother, this sumptuously designed production stars international dance superstar Natalia Osipova and multi-award winning dancer Jonathan Goddard. This inventive new production conjures up a dangerous, kaleidoscopic world, combining narrative dance and drama. In setting out to save her sick child a young mother journeys into the unknown to face life and death. Will she succumb to the forces of evil, or will the power of motherhood prevail?

Director and choreographer, Arthur Pita comments: It's a dark tale which grabs you powerfully. To me, Natalia is at her best when she is fully lost in her character on stage. Natalia is a very instinctive performer, she does not hold back and allows herself to be fully possessed by the character she is portraying. I am thrilled to explore this wonderful poignant story. There is something so powerful about motherhood, and the extremes a mother will go to which resonate in all of us - themes which are so personal, yet also universal.

Producer Alexandrina Markvo comments: Natalia Osipova is one of the greatest ballet stars of our time; it is a privilege for me to work with her. She always strives to expand her horizons, exploring her talent across different dimensions. Contemporary dance is one of them. I love narrative dance dramas, which choreographer Arthur Pita is famous for, and I was happy to give the two big artists an opportunity to work together again. The Mother, created by an amazing team of stars, relays the eternal theme of motherhood and mystery of life.

The production features an original musical score by Frank Moon and Dave Price, production design by Yann Seabra, and lighting design by David Plater.

The Mother is presented by London-based company Bird&Carrot Productions, founded by Alexandrina Markvo (previous projects include: Brodsky/Baryshnikov, starring legendary dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov; Inside Pussy Riot, an immersive theatre piece at Saatchi Gallery and Teodor Currentzis & Musica Aeterna at Cadogan Hall). Bird&Carrot Productions is an international creative force presenting and producing new theatre, dance, music and visual art events. Bird&Carrot Productions supports the work of the most influential world-leading artists and intellectuals, as well as those just starting out on their creative journeys.

Tickets: www.southbankcentre.co.uk