The Lowry's dance company in residence performance
The official launch of dance company in residence at The Lowry…
Company Chameleon
Preceded by a sited performance by the STRIDE young men’s dance group
Wednesday 30 September 2009 from 6.30pm
Press Night: Wed 30 September, 7.45pm
· Interviews are available with Anthony Missen and Kevin Turner
The Lowry are delighted to announce the launch performance of their dance company in residence, Company Chameleon, with Kith/Kin on Wed 30 September. Prior to the main event, audiences will also enjoy the first public performance by the young men of STRIDE.
Anthony Missen and Kevin Turner, both from Manchester, formed Company Chameleon in 2007, out of a collective vision. At the heart of Chameleon’s creative work is a commitment to the community that shaped both artists, leading to their involvement in STRIDE, an exciting project delivered by Dance Initiative Greater Manchester (DiGM). Under the Artistic Direction of Chameleon, three groups of young men aged 11-19, some of whom have no previous dance experience, have been developing work that reflects themes from Rites. This will be showcased prior to the main performance in a variety of public spaces in and around The Lowry.
Director of DiGM, Deb Ashby said: “We are immensely proud of the achievements of both Chameleon and the STRIDE participants. Kevin and Anthony are committed to sharing their experience and creativity with other young men, and we are delighted to have provided a platform for this through STRIDE.”
The performance of Kith/Kin is a significant achievement for Missen and Turner. Their collaboration began in 1994 at Trafford Youth Dance Theatre, followed by formal dance training at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Upon graduating they went on to work collectively and independently with some of the most innovative and exciting British and International Dance and Dance Theatre companies and choreographers. In creating Company Chameleon, they have come together to develop and present their own work, alongside pieces from some of the world’s foremost contemporary choreographers.
Kith/Kin fulfils this aim, comprising two pieces; Before Night Fell, a collaboration with Beth Cassani, and Rites, a duet choreographed by Missen and Turner and commissioned by Dance Initiative Greater Manchester, which was recently performed to critical acclaim in Edinburgh.
”Intelligently structured, nicely detailed and danced with an energy that is
sincere rather than flashy, Rites is a class act” **** (The Herald)
As Anthony Missen says: “The aim for the STRIDE project was to try and bring some of the skills we’ve acquired during our time as professional dancers back home, to provide something for young lads from the community to put their time and their energy into. Working with DiGM, hopefully this is a way for them to channel that into something a bit more positive and perhaps break down some of the stereotypes. Both Kevin and I came from youth dance theatre and we feel it is part of our duty to give something back to the young people of Greater Manchester”
Company Chameleon’s performance of Kith/Kin is a co-promotion by DiGM and The Lowry, supported by the University of Salford and Arts Council England North West. STRIDE is presented by Dance Initiative Greater Manchester in association with Company Chameleon, and has been supported by Oldham MBC, Stockport MBC and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. Company Chameleon is working as company in residence at The Lowry until April 2010. Young men from Greater Manchester wishing to get involved in STRIDE should contact Dance Initiative Greater Manchester on 0161 232 7179 or email info@digm.org.uk
Posted on Friday, 18 September 2009 under Press Theatre Press