Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Story of the Mother, this thrilling dance adaptation The Mother premieres in Edinburgh this December starring internationally acclaimed prima ballerina, Natalia Osipova. This enchanting production has a strictly limited run of only two performances.
As a young single mother sets out to save her child, she must face impossible trials and cross the line between dreams, reality and life and death itself. Will she succumb to the forces of evil, or will the power of motherhood prevail?
The Mother is a compelling, instinctive story about motherhood. With an original score by Frank Moon and Dave Price, design by Yann Seabra and lighting by David Plater, this avant-garde new piece conjures a dangerous, kaleidoscopic world, combining narrative dance and drama.
Former principal of the Bolshoi Ballet and the Royal Ballet and, according to The Telegraph, one of the twelve greatest ballerinas of all time, Natalia Osipova takes the lead alongside the multi-award-winning Jonathan Goddard (Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Male Dancer). Their impeccable technique and unique dramatic presence is harnessed by director and choreographer Arthur Pita, ‘the David Lynch of Dance’ (The Guardian), whose credits include 5 star critically acclaimed The Metamorphosis, The Little Match Girl and Salome.
Director and choreographer, Arthur Pita comments, “It’s a dark tale which grabs you powerfully. To me, Natalia is at her best when she is fully lost in her character on stage. Natalia is a very instinctive performer, she does not hold back and allows herself to be fully possessed by the character she is portraying. I am thrilled to explore this wonderful poignant story. There is something so powerful about motherhood, and the extremes a mother will go to which resonate in all of us – themes which are so personal, yet also universal.”
The Mother is presented by London-based company Bird&Carrot Productions, founded by Alexandrina Markvo (previous projects include: Brodsky/Baryshnikov, starring legendary dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov; Inside Pussy Riot, an immersive theatre piece at Saatchi Gallery and Teodor Currentzis & Musica Aeterna at Cadogan Hall). Bird&Carrot Productions is an international creative force presenting and producing new theatre, dance, music and visual art events. Bird&Carrot Productions supports the work of the most influential world-leading artists and intellectuals, as well as those just starting out on their creative journeys.
Natalia Osipova will also star in a short film, The Mother, directed by Emmanuel G. Cuesta, which will be created and released this autumn.
The Mother is at Pleasance at EICC 21st and 22nd December 2018.
