FORM Dance Projects And Riverside Theatres present VALLEY

From 15th to 17th February, FORM Dance Projects and Riverside Theatres will present the Australian premiere of Valley, a powerful dance performance by Israeli choreographer Omer Backley-Astrachan.

Dark and enchanting, Valley is set on a frozen and desolate Arctic island where a small society of four co-exist. Through Backley-Astrachan's exquisite choreography, Valley explores solitude, vulnerability and sensuality.

Originally created as a solo performance in 2016, Valley has developed into an ensemble piece featuring Backley-Astrachan, Sharon Backley-Astrachan, Allie Graham and Matthew Mizyed. The work premiered at the 2017 Summer Dance Festival in Tel Aviv.

Backley-Astrachan said, "It seems to me that at some point in the process, Valley started breathing, living and thinking on its own. It is now withholding secrets from us that we so eagerly discover every time we perform."

Based in New South Wales, Backley-Astrachan's works have been invited to venues and festivals across Australia and overseas. Additionally, he has worked with choreographers including Dean Walsh, Kay Armstrong and Joshua Thomson, as well as International Artists such as Nick Cave and Marina Abramovic.

To coincide with the season of Valley, Riverside Theatres will host a special screening of the multi-award winning documentary, Mr Gaga, on 17th February.

Mr Gaga tells the fascinating story of Israeli choreographer and creator of the unique Gaga movement language, Ohad Naharin. The influences of Gaga and the Israeli movement style can be seen throughout Backley-Astrachan's works including the choreography in Valley. The film captures the elusive beauty of contemporary dance and immerses the audience in the creative process behind the unique performances of the Batsheva Dance Company, of which Naharin is artistic director.

Choreographer: Omer Backley-Astrachan Performers: Omer Backley-Astrachan, Sharon Backley-Astrachan, Allie Graham, Mathew Mizyed Music: Timothy Constable Lighting Design: Karen Norris

VALLEY

When: 8pm on Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th February; 12.30pm on Friday 16th February

Tickets: Adult $35 and Conc $28 - From the Box Office (02) 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au

Where: Riverside Theatres - Corner of Church and Market Streets, Parramatta

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/227532122

MR GAGA

When: 4:45pm on Saturday 17th February

Tickets: Adult $15 and Conc $12 - From the Box Office (02) 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au

Where: Riverside Theatres - Corner of Church and Market Streets, Parramatta

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6gd8xpFMsM

VALLEY + MR GAGA (PACKAGE DEAL)

When: 4:45pm on Saturday 17th February; and any performance of Valley

Tickets: $40 - From the Box Office (02) 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au

FORM DANCE PROJECTS is a dynamic hub for Australian contemporary dance, based in Parramatta, Western Sydney. Since 2011, FORM has grown into one of Australia's leading dance presenters. FORM's program spans five key areas - presentation, producing, education, community engagement and audience development. Its aim is to support Australian choreographers in all stages of their career; develop artists' national profiles; provide valuable professional development opportunities; engage with the local community, including young people and cultural performers from Western Sydney, in meaningful ways; and connect with audiences.

DANCE BITES is a curated, signature program of contemporary dance works presented by FORM Dance Projects. The Dance Bites season features some of Australia's most innovative and exciting independent choreographers and performers.

OMER BACKLEY-ASTRACHAN is a NSW based dancer and choreographer. Originally from Israel, Backley-Astrachan has worked extensively overseas with numerous choreographers and dance companies. Since moving to Sydney in 2014, Omer has been dedicating himself to his artistic practice, making dance works with local professionals and working with young artists through elite professional dance training programs. Backley-Astrachan was a resident artist with various arts organisations such as Bundanon Trust, BrandX (Sydney) and Catapult Dance (Newcastle). His works were invited to copious venues and festivals both in Australia and overseas such as Sydney Fringe Festival, Perth Fringe Festival, Summer Dance Festival (Tel Aviv) and more. Valley is his first invitation to a FORM- Riverside Theatres Dance Bites season.

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