Amelia

By In Dance, Films 1 hour 16 min

The multi-award-winning dance film Amelia (2002) explores the use of point technique using extended intertwining solos, complex partnering sequences and extreme speed to generate powerful performances with unexpected moments of tender emotion and serenity. Lock uses intricate choreography for both camera and dancers, creating amazing and constantly shifting points of view. Trademark performances, brilliant and relentless, combined with the delicate sensual lighting of André Turpin and the minimalist environment of a giant wooden box with rounded forms that seems to have no exit, create a disturbingly exquisite and moving experience. The original score, written by David Lang for violin, cello, piano and voice, combines evocative minimalism with lyrics from five of Lou Reed’s most famous works, created in the 60s for the Velvet Underground.

In his piece Amelia, premiered at the State Opera Prague (Czech Republic) October 20, 2002, is continuing his exploration of the human gesture through a powerful interplay of speed and extremes. Reinforcement and modification of the primary form of the body, perceptual disorientation, exploration of the cinematic images as well as partial isolation of moment through lighting, are the key elements of this work by Edouard Lock. Like the previous production, this choreography is created for nine dancers and use the point technique to express a highly vivid and complex world. Music was especially composed for this production by renowned New Yorker David Lang. Costumes are by Vandal, set by Stéphane Roy and light design by John Munro.

Amelia is a co-production of the LG Arts Center (Seoul), the Théâtre de la Ville (Paris), the National Arts Center (Ottawa), the Het Musiektheater (Amsterdam), deSingel (Antwerp) and the Montréal Highlights Festival, with the special support of ImPulsTanz (Vienna).

is supported by the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Montréal Arts Council, the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Fonds de stabilisation et de consolidation des arts et de la culture du Québec, the ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec and the Cultural Human Resources Council of Canada.

The cinematographic adaptation of the ballet, Amelia, directed by Édouard Lock and filmed by André Turpin, co-produced by Amérimage Spectra and Média Principia (member of the Ex-Centris group); premiered at the Montréal International Festival of New Cinema and New Media in October 2003, before being televised on the French and English networks of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in November 2003 and after, worldwide.
The film has received numerous awards worldwide.


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