BWW Reviews: Compagnie Marie Chouinard; Two Captivating U.S. Premieres at The Joyce

Marie Chouinard's Montreal-based troupe, Compagnie Marie Chouinard is currently performing at The Joyce Theater through November 10th. The program features two stunning New York premieres, Henri Michaux: Movements and Gymnopedies. We attended on opening night; the Joyce audience was fascinated.

The program opened with Henri Michaux: Movements. The piece features dancers dressed in black on a white floor creating a choreographic version of India ink drawings and poetry by Belgian poet and artist Henri Michaux. The dancers display their signature grace and athleticism in an energetic and imaginative display. They worked singularly and with each other to perfectly capture the images projected on the video screen that served as a backdrop.

After a brief intermission, the company presented, Gymnopedies, a ballet that explores the theme of duets. This romantic, seductive and sexually charged piece is performed to the piano music of Erik Satie. To prepare for Gymnopedies, the dancers took classes to familiarize themselves and interpret the work of Satie whose style was a precursor Minimalism and Theater of the Absurd. And, their preparation was well realized in Gymnopedies with passionate displays and inventive staging.

Formed in 1990, Compagnie Marie Chouinard has attained an international reputation through twenty-eight years of work by Montreal artist, Marie Chouinard. Chouinard is known for exploring the poetics of the body in immediate, intelligible and every-surprising ways. The Joyce Theater audiences have unique opportunity to view this innovative company's work. For more information about Compagnie Marie Chouinard visit their web site at www.mariechouinard.com. For ticketing and information about The Joyce Theater go to www.joyce.org or call (212) 242-0800.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Artist