Dance Adaptation of Children's Classic Returns to Sadler's Wells

Prior to its international tour in 2018, award winning choreographer Jasmin Vardimon's adaptation of the classic fairy tale Pinocchio returns to Sadler's Wells this October. The critically acclaimed production, which premiered at the London theatre last autumn and went on to complete two successful UK tours, goes on to Blackpool's Grand Theatre immediately after its run in the capital.

Pinocchio is based on the original book by Collodi and is performed by Jasmin Vardimon's multi-talented dancers. The theatrical dance work brings to life the famous marionette as he embarks on a fantastic journey to become a human boy. Showcasing Vardimon's uniquely theatrical choreographic and directorial style, Pinocchio combines physical theatre, quirky characterisation, innovative technologies, text and dance to examine the idea of what it means to be human.

With insightful humour, engaging drama and an acute observation of behaviour, the show takes audiences on a wonderful journey of discovery through the parameters of this timeless and beloved fable.

A Creative Minds Symposium will accompany the Sadler's Wells run of Pinocchio. Hosted by Geoff Colman, Head of Acting, Royal Central School, a panel of leading thinkers, contemporary philosophers and creative minds will analyse, respond to and debate around a shared moment of performance. The panel includes Shahidha Bari - senior lecturer in Romanticism, Queen Mary University of London, Mark Foley - architect with specialist expertise in the design of theatres, auditoria and other buildings for the performing arts, Simone Schnall - Director, Cambridge Body, Mind and Behaviour Laboratory and Emily Kasriel - Head of Editorial Partnerships and Special Projects, BBC World Service Group. Other panellists will be announced over the coming weeks. This free event, following the matinee performance on October 28 , provides a fantastic opportunity for the general public as well as MA students, undergraduate and A-level teachers/students to witness fresh and creative ways to analyse and interpret Jasmin's work.

Jasmin Vardimon says

"I find unique curiosity in re-discovering this original 1883 classic tale. Going back to the original Collodi's novel allows us to examine critically the assumptions of ourselves and others about what it means to be human."

A leading force in British dance theatre for nearly twenty years, Jasmin Vardimon has built a reputation for challenging, exciting and visually stunning dance and continues to add to the body of critically acclaimed, artistically respected yet accessible work both for the company she formed in 1997 and for some of the leading dance companies across the world. Born and raised in Israel, she has been an Associate Artist at Sadler's Wells since 2006, Jasmin has also been recognised with the positions of Associate Artist at The Place in 1998 and at Yorkshire Dance as a Partner from 1999 - 2005. Last year she was awarded an honorary doctorate from The Royal Holloway University.

Enjoying sell-out performances across the UK and internationally, Jasmin Vardimon Company's works include: Freedom ('Breathtaking, mesmerizing and frequently thought provoking' - South Wales Echo), 7734 ('TheatricAl Gold. Piercingly powerful' - Daily Telegraph) Yesterday ('Beautiful. A deft theatrical touch'- The Observer), Justitia ('Terrific - stylishly designed, vividly played' -The Guardian), Park ('Extraordinary... sexy and beautiful'- New Statesman), Lullaby ('Dangerous and beautiful impassioned and remarkable' - Daily Mail). In 2015 Jasmin Vardimon Company collaborated with The Turner Contemporary in Margate and the architect Ron Arad and artist Guy Bar-Amotz on the critically acclaimed immersive performance Maze "A sense of magic" - The Guardian.)

JASMIN VARDIMON COMPANY
Present

PINOCCHIO

Directed and choreographed by JASMIN VARDIMON Based on the novel by Carlo Collodi

27 - 28 OCTOBER
LONDON SADLER' WELLS THEATRE
020 7863 8000
http://www.sadlerswells.com
Evening 7.30pm Saturday Matinee 2.30pm

3 - 4 OCTOBER
BLACKPOOL GRAND THEATRE
01253 290 190
https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
Evening 7.30pm
Saturday Matinee 2.00pm

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