Neon Dance Presents Multi-Disciplinary PUZZLECREATURE

Following two sell out evenings at the Lilian Baylis Studio as part of Sadler's Wells' Wild Card strand earlier this year, Adrienne Hart's Neon Dance returns with PuzzleCreature. This new work is inspired by maverick architect/artist duo Arakawa and Madeline Gins, founders of the Reversible Destiny Foundation, an organisation dedicated to the use of architecture to extend the human lifespan. Eluding death by design was the primary concern of Arakawa and Gins, who sought not merely better living but, ideally, eternal living through design. Following a premiere at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, Japan, in September, PuzzleCreature will tour the UK from October.

Neon Dance create work in collaboration with artists from multiple disciplines, and for PuzzleCreature will bring together internationally renowned set designers Numen / For Use and fashion artist Ana Rajcevic, who will design the costumes. Ana is also known for her sculptural designs which have been featured in Vogue and exhibited internationally. Together with Neon Dance, they will present a production that attempts to scramble attitudes to both ageing and the body.

Three exquisite dance artists drive the hour-long work; Japanese dance artist Mariko Kida, who also guests with Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, performs alongside Carys Staton and Luke Crook, both established performers on the UK dance scene

PuzzleCreature is accompanied by a newly commissioned surround sound score from Oxford based composer Sebastian Reynolds and features integrated British and Japanese Sign Language and audio description from Louise Fryer (National Theatre). Set inside an inflatable structure, the theatre is transformed into a unique immersive space shared by both audience and performer.

Speaking about the production, Adrienne Hart said "Arakawa and Gins coined the term 'organism that persons' to describe you and I, they 'decided not to die' and went about doing this through 'architectural procedures' that resulted in some of the most inspiring architecture and artwork out there! I knew when responding to their body of work, which includes poetry, manifesto writing, painting, buildings and parks, my audience had to be in and part of it; sensing, cleaving and of course... not dying!"

Anneliese Slader, Relationship Manager Dance, Arts Council England said "We are delighted to support Neon Dance's 'PuzzleCreature' through our National Lottery Project Grants fund. The company have moved from strength to strength and this tour, from Swindon to Japan, is a testament to their hard work.

PuzzleCreature has found innovative ways to enable those with visual and hearing impairments to take part in the work and creatively thrive. The performance invites audiences and performers to question their attitude to ageing and the body, reminding us how art can act as a powerful medium to reflect different lived realities."

Reversible Destiny Foundation was founded in 2010 by Arakawa and Madeline Gins to promote their work. Arakawa passed away that same year, and Gins four years later, yet their legacy lives on and their thinking continues to inspire a new generation from disciplines as diverse as mathematics, neuroscience, art and philosophy.

Arakawa and Gins believed our bodies to be conditioned by our surroundings, naturally adapting to our environment. They used their architectural works to keep those residing in them from fully adapting, thus living longer. To create PuzzleCreature, Neon's creative team have spent time living in and exploring 'Reversible Destiny Lofts' and 'The Site of Reversible Destiny' - Yoro Park, both projects by Arakawa and Gins. This experience has informed many aspects of PuzzleCreature.

Adrienne Hart trained at Swindon Dance and London Contemporary Dance School. She works internationally as a choreographer and as Artistic Director of Neon Dance. Her work has been commissioned and supported by Arts Council England, British Council, Creative England, Modern Art Oxford, Glastonbury Festival and Art Front Gallery amongst others. Neon Dance is currently resident company at Swindon Dance and Adrienne Hart is one of the selected artists taking part in Sadler's Wells' Summer University programme (2015 - 2018). 2018 commissions include creating a new work for Company of Elders, Sadler's Wells' resident over-60s performance company and a curated Wild Card over two sold out evenings at Lilian Baylis Studio.

www.neondance.org

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