Cacti is a delight: witty, effervescent, playful, surreal and joyously physical
- The Australian
In a nutshell:
Effervescent energy / Wild theatricality / Groundbreaking choreography
Speed of Light is three larger-than-life contemporary classics showcasing the energy, precision and charisma of New Zealand’s national ballet company, under the artistic leadership of Francesco Ventriglia.
Andonis Foniadakis’s seductive Selon Désir is inspired by the monumental opening choruses of the St Matthew and St John Passions. Created for Geneva Ballet in 2004, it’s a gorgeous synthesis of colour, light, music and movement.
Described by The Guardian as ‘the work that changed ballet forever’, William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated was initially commissioned by Rudolf Nureyev for the Paris Opéra Ballet in 1987, for a virtuoso cast of young stars.
Alexander Ekman’s Cacti has taken the dance world by storm since its premiere in The Hague in 2010. It combines daredevil virtuosity and split second timing with a playful wit. In this celebration of physicality and the sheer joy of dance, the RNZB is joined onstage by the New Zealand String Quartet.
Photograph: Courtesy of NDT2. Photographer: Rahi Rezvani
Pre-Show Talk: Friday 4 March, 6:30 - 7pm
Pre-Show 'Warm up, curtain up': Saturday 5 March, 6:20 - 6:50pm
PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH: