Press Release
Newton Moraes Dance Theatre Premieres
Brazil, the Land of Tears and Soul, Sept 11-14
Preview at Toronto City Hall Rotunda, Wednesday, August 28 at 6 p.m.
Newton Moraes Dance Theatre is celebrating its 15th Anniversary Season with the world premiere of Brazil, the Land of Tears and Soul at the Betty Oliphant Theatre, September 11-14, 2013 at 8 p.m.
In the course of a full-evening choreography, the audience will experience the diversity and complexity of contemporary Brazilian culture.
“Finally, Brazil's time has come,” says choreographer and company founder, Newton Moraes. “For years, Brazil felt passed over and ignored. But now, the country is alive and awake and we Brazilians are feeling the responsibility of decision-making and power.”
Many of these themes reflect Newton's own awakening following the loss of his partner and mentor of 23 years. “As my body and soul heal, my creative and spiritual energy are coming alive in a new way,” he says.
The work was developed collaboratively with a powerful, multicultural cast. The dancers, who come from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, bring texture and diversity to the creation and performance of the piece.
The choreography uses Afro-Brazilian and contemporary movements, danced in unison or in layers with all the cast members doing the same phrase at different times, like cascading dominoes. These sequences were learned by all the dancers and reproduced in many ways. As the primary choreographer, Newton Moraes selected the most intriguing, challenging or exciting sequence to use in the final work.
An exhibit featuring photography and promotional materials from the 15-year history of Newton Moraes Dance Theatre will take place in the Rotunda at Toronto City Hall from August 26 - September 1. Dancers will preview Brazil, the Land of Tears and Soul during a reception at the exhibit on Wednesday, August 28 at 6 p.m. The exhibit is timed to coincide with Brazilian Day Canada celebrations.
Newton is also collaborating with visual artist Solange Escosteguy Cardoso, lighting designer Gabriel Cropley, videographer Leonardo Tenan and photographer Cylla von Tiedemann.
Brazil, The Land of Tears and Soul is officially supported by the General Consulate of Brazil in Toronto, MELLOHAWK Logistics, Bavia Arts, Rio 40 Graus – Brazilian Restaurant, Brazil Remittance, aluCine Latin Film & Media Arts Festival, and BRAFFTV Festival. Media sponsors for the show are Brasil News, Wave Magazine, Discover Magazine, Jornal da Gente and Nossa TV Canada.
Newton Moraes Dance Theatre is a company dedicated to the creation, performance and production of contemporary dance works to explore, maintain and develop the links between the arts of Canada and Latin America through the artistic vision and knowledge of its founder and artistic director, Newton Moraes.
Watch the video preview - Teaser including rehearsal footage
Meet the cast - Photos and bios
Photo gallery – Rehearsal photos of Brazil, the Land Tears and Soul
The Show Brazil, the Land of Tears and Soul ** Tickets: $25 General Admission; $20 Students, CADA Members and Seniors; $10 Children. Available at the theatre one hour before each show and online at www.newtonmoraesdancetheatre.com |
The Toronto City Hall Exhibit Toronto City Hall Rotunda Reception and preview of Brazil, the Land of Tears and Soul Wednesday, August 28 at 6 p.m.
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Contact:
Newton Moraes – Artistic Director, Choreographer and Founder
416-997-2883
www.newtonmoraesdancetheatre.com
Interviews with dancers available on request.
High Resolution Performance Photos For Download:
Photos by Cylla von Tiedemann
High Resolution Rehearsal Photos For Download:
Photos by Leonardo Tenan