Contemporary Dance: Nederlands Dance Theatre Company at the Teatro Real

From now until the 26th of June, you can catch the celebrated Nederlands Dance Theatre Company (widely known as NDT) at the Teatro Real. Four pieces by four different choreographers constitute the program. Due to the scenery, music and composition, the pieces all have a theatrical undertone. The show includes the two sections of the company. NDT I consists of 30 dancers that vary in age from 23 – 40, while NDT II consists of 16 young and emerging dancers up to the age of 23. NDT II and I will dance together for one piece, and separately for the others.

The Nederlands Dance Theatre has a fascinating story. It was founded in 1959 when 22 dancers “broke free” from the Netherlands Ballet. The radical ballerinas were passionate about dance but wanted more creative license. With the guidance of Carel Birnie and Benjamin Harkavy, they moved steadily towards professional modern dance. Now, NDT is one of the principal modern dance companies in the world. The combination of the dancer’s artistic approach and comprehensive training makes for a viewing experience that attracts full houses worldwide. The current artistic director, Jim Vincent, has greatly augmented the aesthetic of the company. His first and foremost interest is to fortify the connection between dance and society, creating a unique and complete experience for the audience.  NDT’s influence extends wide and far. After being a part of the prominent company, many dancers begin their own company that has roots in and ties with NDT.

Tickets can be purchased at the venue Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. & from 16:30 p.m. to 19:00 p.m. One can also buy tickets online or by calling (+34) 902 244 848.

Where: Teatro Real
Address: Plaza de Isabel II
When: June 25^th at 20:00 p.m.  &  June 26^th at 17:00 p.m. and 21:00 p.m.
Cost: 15 – 90 euros depending on seats. For children, prices start from 6 euros.

By Cloe Nash

Contemporary Play: The America of Edward Hopper

Author-director Ava Hibernia submerged herself in the imaginative world of the renowned Edward Hopper when she decided to write and direct this drama. The aesthetic universe of the play completely echoes and plays off the visual feel of Hopper’s work. The 2-hour play consists of a young couple, Vera and Tomás, whom have never found stability. They live form hotel to hotel since Tomás’ work demands constant relocation and does not provide for the cost of a permanent home. Every hotel bedroom becomes a space where the past, present and future coexist, a significant theme in Hopper’s paintings.

As inspiration for the play, Ava Hibernia selected 12 of Hoppers paintings and made her own chronology out of them, through which the characters traverse in her play. The couple’s small sense of constancy is shaken, however, when Vera finds the same typewriter with which she and her (dead) twin brother would use to write short stories when they were young. This surprising find causes Vera to retreat to the dusty memories of her childhood, when her brother was still alive. Together, the couple embarks on a journey to the past while simultaneously moving together towards the future. The set design (by Jon Berrondo) and lighting (by Quico Guitiérrez) generates a sense of “total transparency” (Ava Hibernia) that emanates Hopper ‘s own lucid use of light.

When: June 24^th – July 25^th. Tue – Sun 21:00 p.m.
Where: Teatro Español
Cost: 16 euros. 12 euros for adults and seniors with ID.

How to buy a ticket:
At The Venue: Tuesday – Sunday 11:30 a.m. until 13:30 p.m. AND 17:30 p.m. until an hour before the play.
Over the Phone: (+34) 902 10 12 12

By Chloe Nash

MOV’s 2010 – International Conference of the Movement Arts

From June 10^th -13^th, Madrid will host (for the first time!) the 3rd annual MOV’s convention. Consisting of conferences, group projects and a few performances, MOV’s is the Space for the International Exchange of Dance and Movement Arts. Dancers, choreographers, companies and dance enthusiasts will come together from around the world to absorb new ideas, watch outstanding dancers in their element, and enjoy the artistic atmosphere of 600+ “movement artists. ”

This year’s central theme is the active spectator, an idea that the conferences and workshops will explore. To sign up for MOV’s or to buy a ticket to one of the performances that are open to the general public, visit the official MOV’s website. With 450 Spaniards and 200 international guests already enrolled, MOVs is bound to be a hit this year. MOV’s will also offer 3 hands-on colloquiums about the different realities in the field of Performing Arts in Madrid, ideal for those who would like to continue an education in the world of Movement Arts. The MOV’s events will be held in what are undoubtedly some of Madrid’s most artistically revered spaces – The Reiña Sofia, Teatro Circo Price, Círculo de Las Bellas Artes and Teatros De Canal.

By Chloe Nash

Suma Flamenca 2010

Now in its fifth year, Suma Flamenca is set to begin on June 4^th and will bring nearly a month’s worth of Flamenco to Madrid, with the closing not until July 2^nd. The event is sponsored by the Communidad de Madrid and seeks to educate and entertain the public on this historic Spanish art form. Flamenco is a form of dance and music that is a real source of pride and tradition to the people who love it and this is a great opportunity to take part in something truly unique to Spain. The organizers have set-up 33 events including some of the most well regarded names in Flamenco while also balancing the line-up with newcomers trying to make a name for themselves. For complete information on the event click here.

By Coleman File

Teatro Real: Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea

Premiered for the first time in 1643, Claudio Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea was the first opera event to ever charge an entrance fee. This now cherished tradition comes to you in the form of 2.40 to 156 Euros, which is what it’ll cost you to watch it at the Teatro Real this month. Directed by William Christie, conducted by Pier Luigi Pizzi and starring Daniella de Niese and Philippe Jaroussky, the opera takes inspiration from the life of Sabina Poppea, an interesting character to say the least: the lover Otton and then of the emperor Nero, she actually came to be Empress of Rome for a short while. Her mythical ambition, greed and love affair with Nero are what Monteverdi focuses on in this classic opera, which will be playing until the 28^th of this month. Times are 20:00 p.m. during the week and 18:00 p.m. on Sundays, Click here for tickets and further information.

By Daniel Sznajderman