[attach id=244933 size="medium"]The choreography in Dorian Grey is very much motivated by the decadent theme within the works, especially in relation to embodiment.[/attach]
A forthcoming modern dance adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s piece, Dorian Gray, promises to be one of the most exciting dance events of the ongoing theatrical season.
“I was partly inspired by the protagonist’s name,” jokes Dorian Mallia, the show’s choreographer. “Is that narcissistic much? “Joking apart, I have always wanted to approach Wilde’s novel through movement. Firstly, I really admire the author’s wit and, secondly, I think many of the issues within the work manage to remain so current in today’s world. I found this very inspiring.
“The relating choreography, on the other hand, is very much motivated by the decadent theme within the works, especially in relation to embodiment.”
Mallia describes the show as a “professional, contemporary ballet piece inspired by the complex, multi-faceted, naive, narcissistic, vulnerable, beautiful, influential and corrupt soul of Dorian Gray”. It promises to be an exciting piece of local theatre – one that pushes boundaries, celebrates talent and presents a cutting-edge approach.
“The narrative is there, however, it is the themes that are best emphasised by the bodies on stage,” the choreographer explains. “This production provides a journey into the depths of decadence, where all the senses are indulged along with Dorian’s. I think it will be unique in its style of choreography, which has become very particular to our productions.”
The piece is being produced by the Moveo Dance Company, which was launched in 2008 and is Mallia’s brainchild.
“The company is made up of both local and professional dancers who I choose to work with on each production,” he explains. “I like to work with people I know will bring a lot to the table – whether as performers or creative minds – and they also inspire so much of what I do. I may be the choreographer but I am not a dictator by any stretch of the imagination!
“Most international contemporary companies work in a very democratic manner, and that’s the way I like it. The dancer/choreographer boundary is one I strive to blur; I dance within my own pieces and know that, as a dancer, one takes choreographic responsibility into hand when performing the piece.”
The cast will be made up of professional, international dancers. “The chosen cast members have very strong balletic technique but are still very versatile in their approach to movement,” Mallia continues. “Diane Portelli and I make up the Maltese component.Meanwhile, Lucia Piquero, who joins us from London, is a Spanish contemporary dancer and choreographer, while Alessandra Odo and Leonardo Cusinato, both from Italy, have worked and toured with various top companies. They are individually vital to the piece and we work beautifully together.”
The Picture of Dorian Gray will be staged at the MITP in Valletta on Saturday and next Sunday at 3pm and 8pm.Tickets are available from St James Centre for Creativity, Valletta, or by sending an e-mail to moveodancecompany@gmail.com.