For this creation, choreographed on the BJM dancers, the Israeli-American choreographer Barak Marshall was inspired by the inner battles we all wage. “Life is a constant struggle,” he says, “in which we are continually faced with conflicts with regard to culture, gender, species.” Between men and women, in particular, compromises must be made to achieve a balance. This piece revolves around the character of Harry, who struggles to overcome forces both physical and existential. Teeming with energy, the work underscores a recurrent theme in human interactions: conflicts and our ability to overcome them. Set to a score combining jazz, Israeli folksongs and traditional music, this new opus is imbued with hope and humour, alternating group sequences, trios and duets in a fabulous extravaganza of dance.
A work dedicated in the memory of Marjorie and Gerald Bronfman, major partners of Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal.
A BJM – Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal production, co-produced with the National Arts Center (Ottawa), The Joyce Theater Foundation (New York), Segal Center for Performing Arts (Montréal), City of Montauban during Danse en PlaceS Festival.
“Before embarking on a lengthy tour of the United States, Canada and France, the world première of Harry, by Israeli-American choreographer Barak Marshall, fully charmed the audience and proved that the dancers of Ballets Jazz de Montréal (celebrating its 40th anniversary this year) possess unparalleled technique.
In this piece created specifically for the artists of BJM, Barak was inspired by the inner turmoil and clashes confronting mankind – cultural conflicts, their origins, the compromises and struggles to find balance and harmony. The choreographer subtly combines Israeli folk music, jazz and traditional music in a dynamic, fluid and humorous dance featuring trios, duos and ensemble pieces.
All 13 of the company dancers knew instinctively how to enter into his delicate yet boisterous universe where each movement is of a rare intensity, for the choreographer believes that it is not enough to dance. The dancers must also give meaning to the movement, so that the piece can meticulously portray relations between human beings.
With superb imagery and elaborate, sophisticated choreography, Harry is a perfect match for the undeniable talent of the Ballets Jazz de Montréal. A magnificent work!”