Simone Orlando

Move: the company (with Turning Point Ensemble)
Choreography: Simone Orlando
Music: Eric Satie
Costumes: Linda Chow
Lighting: Barry Hegland
Set Design: Greg Snider
Premiere: Vancouver Playhouse, February 13, 2009, Vancouver

I was commissioned by the Turning Point Ensemble to choreograph and stage a contemporary imagining of Eric Satie and Francis Picabia’s 1924 Dadaist ballet, Relâche (theatre closed). Picabia commissioned filmmaker Rene Clair to create a short film to be shown during the ballet's intermission. The film titled Entr’acte, consists of a scene shown before the ballet and a longer piece between the acts.

Some of the original components, characters and concepts of the 1924 production, namely the historic film by Clair and the music of Satie (performed live by the Turning Point Ensemble) are retained in this new production, but the choreography, costumes and set design are completely new. Curious artifacts and images from the film are woven into theatrical dance scenes that celebrate and pay homage to the spirit and ideals of the Dadaists.

satie, turning point ensemble, vancouver playhouse