Seductive marriage of dance and film

Choreographer John Scott is about to unveil a new show that refracts the dancers' movements through film projections, writes CHRISTINE MADDEN

REPORTS ABOUT the demise of the arts in Ireland are, as Mark Twain would say, highly exaggerated. Despite the implosion of the economy, choreographer John Scott will demonstrate that, with the final fruits of our boom, he can put together his biggest show ever, In This Moment, for his company Irish Modern Dance Theatre (IMDT).

Counter to his usual minimalist aesthetic, Scott has created a piece that refracts and redoubles the dancers’ movements through film projections. Award-winning video artist Charles Atlas works on stage with the dancers to create a multimedia spectacle.

“Suddenly you see maybe five or 10 of the dancers’ giant bodies projected,” Scott explains. “And it’s choreographic, because if you see this gesture, and then a minute or two later this gesture appears on the screen, you engage with the live performer, but you engage with the screen, and it becomes one composition. It’s a seduction with film.”

Atlas, who worked with Cunningham for 20 years – as well as other leading lights such as Leigh Bowery, Yvonne Rainer and Michael Clark – sees his role in the production as something like the male partner in a classical pas de deux, which is to support and enhance the ballerina.

“He doesn’t seek to be seen or display himself,” explains Scott. “He seeks to enhance the line, beauty and power of the ballerina.” This from the man who wowed the cast and crew by wearing a jacket that once belonged to Merce Cunningham.

A group of very diverse dancers provides the starting point for this kaleidoscopic refraction of images. Two performers Scott encountered in the Centre for Survivors of Torture join the likes of ballerina Joanna Banks and regulars Philip Connaughton, James Hosty and Rebecca Reilly. And two veteran dancers from Twyla Tharp and Martha Graham (Marc Mann and Michael Snipe Jr) complete the corps.

“They’re like wild horses dancing,” Scott enthuses. “In Dance House, where we’re rehearsing, people keep peeping into the studio because we have these absolutely stunning and beautiful American men who dance like they’re flying.”

Much of the stage plan for the piece is based on camera angles, which Scott finds particularly interesting, as it provides a graphic structure. “In a sense it’s like Bach or Philip Glass,” says Scott.

The run of In This Momentalso features a new collaborator. Before IMDT's performance on December 4th, rising choreographic star Kyle Abraham will present a sampling menu of his work at Project. Currently taking part in a Blank Canvas residency at the Firkin Crane in Cork, Abraham will perform several of his solo works, including Inventing Pookie Jenkins, which explores themes from his inner life as an African American and homosexual. Abraham will be choreographing a new work for IMDT in 2012.

“This is going to be Ireland’s introduction to Abraham’s company and his work,” says Scott. “The next time they see him, it will be IMDT performing his work. He’s philosophical, but has this anger underneath that. He dances this incredible hip-hop piece in a tutu. He’s like another evolution of American choreographer.”

The new production feels “almost like a mini festival”, says Scott, who is delighted to be able to bring this show, with its high-profile collaborators, to fruition despite hard economic times. “The thing is, Atlas isn’t just making some images and going away. He’s operating his cameras and projections live every night. So we have one of the greatest artists of dance film live on stage, present with us, and that is such a thrill.”

In This Momentruns from Nov 27 to Dec 4 at Project Arts Centre, Temple Bar. See irishmoderndancetheatre.com