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Clorinda Agonistes
- Clorinda the Warrior

Monteverdi | Jeyasingh | Roustom

Resistance. Resilience. Rebellion.

Internationally celebrated Shobana Jeyasingh Dance presents this explosive union of opera, dance and film in a thrillingly inventive new production.

Inspired by Monteverdi’s masterpiece, Il Combattimento, in this visceral production the fiery Saracen female warrior Clorinda battles the Crusader Tancredi in ancient Jerusalem, ferociously defiant in the face of danger.  The second half brings us bang up to date, catapulting Clorinda into the 21st century as a woman still determined to tell her own story in her own way.

Bold and achingly beautiful, the epic story of Clorinda, exposes a world of violence and resilience across the boundaries of culture and time.

Monteverdi’s sublime score is paired with the celebrated Syrian-American composer Kareem Roustom’s highly evocative new music, played live by an on-stage string quartet. Both works unite one of the country’s most popular tenors, Ed Lyon, with the acclaimed Conductor Robert Hollingworth of I Fagiolini.

Shobana Jeyasingh Dance is one of the most dynamic and distinctive forces in UK dance. The Company’s vivid and powerful productions live long in the memory, applauded by audiences and critics alike across the globe.

Co produced by Sadler’s Wells London

World premiere: Grange Festival 13 July 2022
London premiere: Sadler’s Wells 9 September 2022

Promotional Images: Chris Nash

Production Images: Foteini Christofilopoulou

Contains scenes of simulated killing

The Grange Festival – 13 and 14 July 2022

Sadler’s Wells – 9 and 10 September 2022 – Tickets on Sale here

Snape Maltings – 8 October 2022 – Tickets on Sale here 

The Lowry – 18 and 19 October 2022 – Tickets on Sale here

Oxford Playhouse – 15 and 16 November 2022 – Tickets on Sale here 

 

Available for touring

Please contact us for a technical rider and touring information.

 

As the defiant warrior Clorinda, Jemima Brown is an impressive figure of mystery and strength. As Tancredi, Jonathan Goddard beguiles. The standout, however, is the tenor Ed Lyon.

Debra Craine, The Times
 

Richly layered… These exceptional dancers create an electric charge – they leap, kick, roll into exhaustion.

David Jays, The Guardian
 

Clorinda Agonistes is an intense and thought provoking work, skilfully bringing together attitudes bridging many centuries. It is moreover a multifaceted and stimulating work of art.

Mark Aspen, Mark Aspen Reviews

Creative Team

Shobana Jeyasingh / Concept, choreography and direction Kareem Roustom / Composer Robert Hollingworth / Music Consultant and Director Naomi Burrell / Assistant Music Director Merle Hensel / Set and Costume Design Lee Curran / Lighting Design Nick Hillel/YeastCulture / Video Design Fred de Faye / Sound Design

Born in Barcelona, Estela trained at Escola de Dansa Madó and Central School of Ballet. Before joining Rambert Dance Company (2008-2014) she danced with Cannes Jeune Ballet and IT Dansa (2004-2008). Since becoming independent she has performed with Didy Veldman, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, New Movement Collective, Patricia Okenwa, AVA Dance Company, Renaud Wiser, Hubert Essakow. Estela’s own choreographic work has been presented in Spain and the UK.

Estela Merlos / Rehearsal Director

Born in Barcelona, Estela trained at Escola de Dansa Madó and Central School of Ballet. Before joining Rambert Dance Company (2008-2014) she danced with Cannes Jeune Ballet and IT Dansa (2004-2008). Since becoming independent she has performed with Didy Veldman, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, New Movement Collective, Patricia Okenwa, AVA Dance Company, Renaud Wiser, Hubert Essakow. Estela’s own choreographic work has been presented in Spain and the UK.

Performers

Jemima Brown Jonathan Goddard Emily Thompson-Smith Harriet Waghorn Ellen Yilma Ed Lyon - Tenor

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