Dance Consortium presents
Acosta Danza’s Evolution
Produced by Sadler’s Wells and Valid Productions
The Lowry, Salford 24 & 25 March
As ballet superstar Carlos Acosta takes up the reins at Birmingham Royal Ballet, his critically-acclaimed company of young Cuban dancers embarks on a ten-venue nationwide tour. It brings its latest programme, Evolution to The Lowry, Salford on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 March.
The Evolution programme includes two works created especially for Acosta Danza and two contemporary dance classics: Paysage, Soudain, la nuit by visionary Swedish choreographer Pontus Lidberg; Impronta by Barcelona-based Maria Rovira who choreographed the 2019 film Yuli which chronicled Acosta’s life and career; Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s Faun, inspired by the Ballet Russes’ L’apres-midi d’un faune; and Rooster, Christopher Bruce’s celebration of the ‘60s and ‘70s set to music by the Rolling Stones, in which Acosta makes a guest appearance.
In Paysage, Soudain, la nuit, Lidberg approaches Cuban culture through rumba, a genre of traditional Cuban music with African roots. It takes as its starting point a score by acclaimed Cuban composer Leo Brouwer with additional music by Swedish composer Stefan Levin. Set in an evocative landscape installation Vientos by Cuban artist Elizabet Cerviño, it conjures up a celebratory vision of youth in the magic hours between twilight and dawn.
Former choreographer for the National Ballet of Cuba, Maria Rovira created the solo Impronta specially for company dancer Zeleidy Crespo whose training is rooted in the folkloric dance styles of Cuba. Rovira has a strong connection with Acosta Danza with her choreography being woven throughout Yuli, the film based on Acosta’s autobiography, No Way Home: A Cuban Dancer’s Story. The film was nominated for five Spanish Goya awards including best new actor for Acosta, best cinematography and best adapted screenplay.
Christopher Bruce is one of the 20th century’s leading choreographers. His humorous and energetic Rooster is set to iconic songs recorded by The Rolling Stones: Little Red Rooster; Lady Jane; Not Fade Away; Paint it Black; Ruby Tuesday; Play With Fire; and Sympathy for the Devil. Originally created in 1991, it has been a highlight of the repertoires of both London Contemporary Dance Theatre and Rambert Dance. Here it features a guest appearance from Acosta himself.
Evolution is presented by Dance Consortium, a 20-strong group of member theatres with a commitment to bring the best international contemporary dance to audiences across the UK, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
Listings information
Acosta Danza’s Evolution
Tuesday 24 & Saturday 25 March at 7.30pm
The Lowry, Salford Quays
Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Box office: 0343 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com
Access Line: 0333 320 2838
Ticket prices: £22 – £40 subject to transaction and delivery fees (concessions available)
Audio-description available on 25 March
Running time 90 minutes including one interval
