The multi-award winning Mark Bruce Company returns to theatres in February and March 2022 with a superb triple bill of cinematic dance theatre. Phantoms – A Triple Bill opens on February 3rd at the Merlin Theatre in Frome, Somerset, where the company is based and includes ten performances at Wilton’s Music Hall in London.
Says Artistic Director MARK BRUCE: “It’s fantastic to be building towards performing before a live audience again and to share everything we’ve been creating in isolation with the real world! Nothing can replace that experience. Phantoms – A Triple Bill features very different choreographic styles. There’s a lot of material in it and, as always, I hope the evening will invigorate and inspire the audience.
“Green Apples is a blast. Folk Tales is quick footed, articulate and intricate. All the pieces entertain, but Phantoms is a darker reflection on things. Phantoms is typical of the cinematic dance theatre MBC has been producing for many years with long term collaborators Phil Eddolls (set), Guy Hoare (light) and Dorothee Brodrück (costume). It will be visually arresting.”
PHANTOMS – A TRIPLE BILL – the programme:
Green Apples (approx 10 minutes)A welcome return to the main stage for Mark Bruce’s commanding, thrilling duet originally made in 2006. The audience will be drawn into a visceral and immediate experience as the two dancers perform within the confines of a rope circle, creating a space of intensity and magnetic energy. Bruce’s powerful choreographic voice is channelled through the legendary garage rock/blues music of the American duo, The White Stripes.
Folk Tales (approx 20 minutes) 5 dancersCharacters from the myths of our past dance to the evocative music of the redoubtable Martin Simpson, Britain’s favourite folk singer and composer. Tracks include 1974’s classic ‘Beaulampkins’ (recorded when Simpson was just 21), the banjo-led ‘Soldier’s Joy’ and the enigmatic ‘Betsy the Serving Maid’ among others. A collection of life-affirming pieces – at once mysterious, fiery, celebrational!
Phantoms (approx 50 minutes)A stunning dance theatre tale of love, tragedy and revenge in a land where our phantoms roam free. Mark Bruce Company presents its trademark cinematic vision; a carousel of dream-like characters in a beautifully savage world falling into chaos, culminating in a surreal, classic showdown on the road. Phantoms features the creative team that brought you Dracula, Macbeth and Return to Heaven, and an original score by Mark Bruce, working with celebrated jazz pianist Gareth Williams and West End singer Eva Todd.
