Thursday 30 July 2009

Bounce- Insane in the Brain


Bounce


Insane in the Brain


A street-dance version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest


by Dale Wasserman
Based on the novel by Ken Kesey
Peacock Theatre, London and national tour September 15th – November 21st 2009

Following their celebrated run at London’s Peacock Theatre in spring 2008, Swedish company Bounce return with Insane in the Brain, their acclaimed production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest reworked as a feast of stunning street dance. Injecting a healthy dose of contemporary styles fused with breathtaking hip hop moves, Bounce once again present their powerful adaptation of the play by Dale Wasserman and novel by Ken Kesey at the Peacock Theatre this autumn, prior to an extensive national tour.

In the confines of a psychiatric hospital, breakdance becomes a way of expressing freedom and rebelling against the iron rule of Nurse Ratched – who happens to be a ballet fan… Insane in the Brain features a pulsating soundtrack with cuts from Missy Elliot, Dizzee Rascal, Gotan Project, David Holmes and Cypress Hill.

Inventive set design and choreography are mixed with film and multimedia sequences to produce a fast-paced show that is funny, moving and packed with high-octane dance. This production follows the self-titled Bounce, 2002’s ‘High-energy celebration’; that thrilled audiences at Sadler’s Wells prompting a return invitation for this innovative crew. The company was formed in late 1997 by a group of Sweden’s leading street dancers who formed a collective in order to explore different techniques of breaking, locking, popping, boogaloo and new school. Not afraid to use any style to create fresh and exciting work, Bounce also utilises lindy hop and tap, as these genres have influenced many generations of street dancers.

Dance Touring Partnership’s (DTP) vision is to bring the best of middle-scale dance to as many people as possible. DTP is an entrepreneurial venue partnership which includes the country’s most forward-looking and influential middle-scale venues.

Bounce will be traveling to leading venues all over the UK during this two month tour. Dates extend to key theatres in Cornwall, the midlands, Scotland, the south coast and the north, giving the UK the first opportunity this autumn to view this unique production outside of London.

“****I can’t recall when I last experienced such a fresh, fun and clearly told translation of a piece of contemporary literature into dance” The Times

“This action-packed show works like a dream” The Daily Express

“**** Insane in the Brain makes Ken Kesey’s classic story seem designed for a hip hop makeover” The Guardian UK

Tour supported by Arts Council England, Arts Council of Wales, the National Lottery through Arts Council England and Arts Council of Wales Assisted by Swedish Arts Council, The Stockholm Culture Administration, The Foundation for the Culture of the Future. Insane in the Brain is being toured in association with the Swedish EU presidency in autumn 2009
Tour Dates:
Peacock Theatre – London – September 15th – October 3rd
http://www.sadlerswells.com/
Nottingham Playhouse – Nottingham – October 6th & 7th
http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/
Sheffield Lyceum – Sheffield – October 9th & 10th
http://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/
Sherman – Cardiff – October - 13th & 14th
http://www.shermancymru.co.uk/
Lighthouse – Poole – October 16th & 17th
http://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/
Hall For Cornwall – Truro – October 20th & 21st
http://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/
Festival Theatre – Edinburgh – October 24th, 25th & 26th
http://www.eft.co.uk/
macrobert Stirling – October 29th, 30th and 31st
http://www.macrobert.stir.ac.uk/
Warwick Arts Centre – November 3rd and 4th
http://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/
Wycombe Swan – November 10th & 11th
http://www.wycombeswan.co.uk/
Northern Stage – Newcastle – November – 13th & 14th
http://www.northernstage.co.uk/
Wyvern Theatre – Swindon – November 17th & 18th
http://www.wyverntheatre.org.uk/
The Lowry – Salford – November 21st
http://www.thelowry.com/
Posted by Anna Nathanson

Sunday 26 July 2009

New Lowkey Video

In My Lifetime by Lowkey and Wretch 32

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naNxVih9-88

Check out Lowkey’s new video with Wretch 32 and if you haven’t already, the album ‘Dear Listener’- one of the best UK albums this year, in my opinion. Look out for my interview with Lowkey, happening soon, and find out more on shows etc. on www.myspace.com/lowkeyuk and www.twitter.com/lowkeyuk

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Musicians check out this opportunity NOW!

HEAVY OPPORTUNITY.........DON'T FLOP....DEADLINE MONDAY 27TH (postmarked on Monday, you got time)

Written by Tor

REDBULL MUSIC ACADEMY (For all music, Dance, Electro, Hip hop, Classical, Dubstep etc)


I had to come and tell ALL my music mates about this HEAVY opportunity. I'll make it simple.....those of you who are smart will take a look and apply......It's a crazy opportunity to get links and connect with the most important, press, promo and industry contacts from the London and International scene. Apply from anywhere in the country (or world....my Japan and U.S fam...holla) and get an all expenses trip and apartment for two weeks, vibe with like minded artists, make tunes, perform in the capitals musical hotspots, get input, vibe and make tunes with BIG artists, the lot cuzzie.

I did the Academy and got skooled by:
Just Blaze
Derrick May
Phonte Coleman (Little Brother)
Waajeed (PPP/Bling 47)

Lecturers have included:
M.I.A
Questlove
Benga
Skream
Ty
Sway
Gillies Peterson
J-Roc

People who have applied and took part in the last few years:
Flying Lotus
Mr Hudson
Goldielocks
Oddisee
Aloe Blacc
and meeee........Get the point....your seriously slippin' if you miss out on this. BBC and mainstream press are involved in this two week festival, you'll have all the industry links you need deeeyaahh in your lap!!! And if you still think you too big for it....it's all good, someone else wants it. DEADLINE MONDAY 27TH....HURRY!This is the BIGGEST hook up I can give to anyone!!! See for yourself....P.s Did I mention it's free?

WATCH VIDEO AND DOWNLOAD FORM HERE:

www.redbullmusicadademy.com

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Anna Nathanson's new blog

Hey guys,

This is a message from the editor. As well as running this blog, I will also now be running my own personal blog www.annanathanson.wordpress.com which will have more personal perspectives, although I will continue to update this one as well. Check out one of my first blog entries below, from a few days ago:

Meeting Raekwon

Just had the most surreal experience this evening! Went to interview Raekwon from the Wu Tang Clan, and Soneni came too and filmed it, and what was meant to be a one-hour slot turned into three and a half hours of hanging out with the veteran rapper and his manager Mel!

We arrived at 4.30pm at the Marble Arch hotel, and Cookie who organised everything was amazing, making us feel really welcome and offering us a cup of tea which I felt guilty for having as it was nearly a fiver! We were then introduced to Mel, who happily shared his drinks and told us all about the early days of Wu at the start of the nineties, some interesting perspectives and some insider goss on Jay Z, who he went to school with; all fascinating stuff!
He then gave us a sneak preview of the entire 24-track album two months prior to its release in the UK, talking us through each track!

After that it was time to meet Rae, who we immediately warmed too with his welcoming presence and friendly, down to earth demeanor. Believe it or not he was watching Big Brother when we walked in, admitting that he watches it “a bit”. He spoke of the follow up to his 1995 monumental rap classic ‘Only Built 4 Cuban Linx’, why it had taken so long and what feedback he expects this time around. Without giving too much away, The Chef has done it again, you won’t be disappointed people!

Raekwon was the nicest celeb you could meet, far from the stereotype of the unapproachable rapper you might have expected. In fact, perhaps the friendliest I have ever interviewed, a place previously occupied by the lovely Beverly Knight. After the interview we continued to chat, and I put poor Soneni on the spot by making her sing acapella in front of Rae! “That’s my next new artist!” he said when she’d finished, singing her praises and agreeing to a collaboration and offering lots of advice. He even bigged up little ol’ me, saying I was “amazing” and that I “know my hip hop”! Before we finally left, he gave us his number and email address and said he’d definitely stay in touch! “I wasn’t expecting two ladies to walk in, y’all have mad energy!” he added as we left. What a crazy evening!

Full interview coming soon…

Posted by Anna Nathanson

Monday 6 July 2009

Soneni


Multi-talented artist Soneni is all at once a singer, songwriter, lyricist and poet. She has been musically active now for over a decade, penning her first song at the age of twelve and going on to perform extensively on the London and Brighton open mic circuit. The 25 year old says of her music; “it’s a cocktail of my life’s stories and journeys, of the poetry that’s come with that, and the lessons learnt”. London born with Zimbabwean roots, the artist has an array of musical influences, as diverse as Nas, Queen, Miriam Makeba, to Laryn Hill and Richard Ashcroft. “I like musicians who have something to say but can entertain you at the same time”, she states.

After years of perfecting her craft, Soneni now releases her debut single Starstruck, which has been described by DJ Ras Kwame as a “sublime piece of soulful house". In late 2008, this very song was not only broadcast on BBC 1xtra, but selected out of hundreds of tracks to be one of three songs used as part of the BBC 1xtra HomeGrown podcast, distributed to around 20,000 listeners. “I’ve got a lot of love for them for that support, it was a real confidence boost”, says Soneni. “My goal is to uplift and inspire, but also to convey a message. I feel that I’ve been given a gift with my music and I want to share it with as many people as possible”.

StarStruck is out now on itunes

www.myspace.com/sonenimusic
www.youtube.com/sonenimusic
www.twitter.com/sonenimusic

Posted by Anna Nathanson