New Dance Adaptation of Children's Classic PINOCCHIO Embarks on UK Tour In August

This autumn, award-winning choreographer Jasmin Vardimon will create a brand new adaptation of classic fairy tale PINOCCHIO. Based on the original book by Collodi and performed by Vardimon's multi-talented dancers, Pinocchio will bring to life the famous marionette as he embarks on a fantastic journey to become a human boy. This world premiere was co-commissioned by The Gulbenkian Canterbury, Sadler's Wells and Kent County Council.

Showcasing Vardimon's uniquely theatrical choreographic and directorial style, Pinocchio will combine physical theatre, quirky characterisation, innovative technologies, text and dance to examine the idea of what it means to be human. With insightful humour, engaging drama and an acute observation of behaviour, Pinocchio takes audiences on a wonderful journey of discovery through the parameters of this timeless and beloved fable.

Pinocchio's first public performance will launch Kent's International Family Festival bOing! on August 27. The national tour begins on September 29 at Dance City in Newcastle upon Tyne, with a run at Sadler's Wells in October

Vardimon said: "I find unique curiosity in rediscovering this original 1883 classic tale. Going back to the original Collodi's novel allow us to critically examine the assumptions of ourselves and others about what it means to be human."

A leading force in British dance theatre for nearly 20 years, Jasmin Vardimon has built a reputation for challenging, exciting and visually stunning dance and continues to add to the body of critically acclaimed, artistically respected yet accessible work both for the company she formed in 1997 and for some of the leading dance companies across the world. Born and raised in Israel, she has been an Associate Artist at Sadler's Wells since 2006, and has also been recognised with the positions of Associate Artist at The Place in 1998 and at Yorkshire Dance as a Partner in 1999-2005. Last year she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Royal Holloway University. She's currently choreographing the Royal Opera House Covent Garden's forthcoming production of Wagner's Tannhäuser, which opens in April.

Enjoying sold-out performances across the UK and internationally, Jasmin Vardimon Company's works include: Freedom, Yesterday, Justitia, Park, and Lullaby. In 2015 Jasmin Vardimon Company collaborated with The Turner Contemporary in Margate, architect Ron Arad and artist Guy Bar-Amotz on the critically acclaimed immersive performance Maze.

Tour dates are as follows:

27 - 28 AUGUST - CANTERBURY - GULBENKIAN
01227 769075 http://www.thegulbenkian.co.uk
as part of bOing!

30 SEPTEMBER- 1st OCTOBER - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE -
DANCE CITY
0191 261 0505 https://www.dancecity.co.uk

8 OCTOBER - ABERDEEN - HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE
01224 641122 http://www.aberdeenperformingarts

11 OCTOBER - YEOVIL - OCTAGON
01935 422884 https://www.dancecity.co.uk
13 - 14 OCTOBER - WINCHESTER - THEATRE ROYAL
01962 840440 http://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

19 - 21 OCTOBER - EXETER - NORTHCOTT THEATRE
01392 726363 https://exeternorthcott.co.uk

24 - 25 OCTOBER - LONDON - SADLER' WELLS
020 7863 8000 http://www.sadlerswells.com

29 OCTOBER - SHREWSBURY - THEATRE SEVERN
01933 270007 http://www.thecastle.org.uk/

8 - 9 NOVEMBER - CAMBRIDGE - JUNCTION
01223 511511 http://www.junction.co.uk

17 NOVEMBER - LINCOLN - PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
01522 837600 http://lpac.co.uk

14 - 18 DECEMBER - IPSWICH -DANCE EAST
01473 295230 <https://www.danceeast.co.uk/about-danceeast/find-us/> https://www.danceeast.co.uk

Watch a clip of Jasmin Vardimon Company's performance of Park below:

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