Sylvain Émard Danse (Temps de chien)

(Québec)

Climatology of Bodies – a trilogy

Pluie (rain) was the striking beginnings of the Climatology of bodies trilogy. With this magnificent pas-de-deux, Sylvain Émard takes an exceptionally lucid look at the relations between human beings. He takes his inspiration from climate as a metaphor for the external elements affecting our daily lives. Our bodies, unconsciously and indiscriminately, absorb a whole range of signals from many sources; adapting has become an integral part of our life. How does the body perceive these profound transformations? This is the Climatology of bodies.

Temps de chien (Dog’s day) is the second instalment of the Climatology of bodies cycle. It explores the uncertainties, uneasiness and desires provoked by an increasingly unsettled environment. The choreography underscores the fundamental humanism and sensuality of bodies that are standing witness to such transformations.

A co-production by Sylvain Émard Danse, the National Arts Centre, the Banff Centre, the Canada Dance Centre (Canada), and the Grand Théâtre de Lorient (France)

‘The set design, music and dance combine to create a strange and beautiful universe, at once dark and luminous, that is full of tenderness, violence and abandon... This is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished works Sylvain Émard has ever created.’ Frédérique Doyon, Le Devoir

Wave : the last chapter of Sylvain Émard’s Climatology of bodies cycle, explores with finesse our capacity and our individual desire to melt, to become part of an increasingly vast and multidimensional environment. This tidal wave sweeps forth to reveal dance as the exquisitely tuned music of bodies.

‘[…] a very fluid piece that is visually and musically hypnotic, entrancing and captivating. […] The five dancers perform with strength, conviction, magnetism and incredible sensuality […] If there were but five humans remaining, it would be women such as these – beautiful, tough, complicit, stubbornly fluid. It is an intense vision that remains with us long after leaving the theatre, pensive and suffused with sensation.’ Aline Apostolska, La Presse

A co-production by Sylvain Émard Danse, Station Zuid (Netherlands), the Grand Théâtre de Lorient (France) and Usine C (Canada)

Sylvain Émard first distinguished himself as a dancer working with renowned choreographers such as Jean-Pierre Perreault, Jo Lechay and Louise Bédard before he formed Sylvain Émard Danse in 1987. He joined forces with Robert Lepage to work on the opera 1984 (2005) by Lorin Maazel. In May 2008, at the behest of Robert, Sylvain Émard directed the reprise of this celebrated opera at La Scala in Milan.

New Territories European première of this complete cycle of work is a celebration of the festival’s longstanding relationship with this fine artist.

Special ticket: tickets for Wave are free to those purchasing tickets for both Pluie and Temps de chien.