Part 3 of the Climatology of bodies cycle
A co-production of Sylvain Émard Danse, Station Zuid (Netherlands), the Grand Théâtre de Lorient (France), and Usine C (Canada).

Context:
The climate is a metaphor for everything that affects our lives - not just the weather, but also the social, political and professional climate around us. Wave is an acknowledgement of the influence of our immediate surroundings and of what is occurring on a much larger scale. The survival of the familiar is constantly at risk, and there in a need for both security and upheaval. More than ever, adaptability is called for. Without our being aware of it, the body often indiscriminately absorbs myriad signals from near and far and of multiple origin. How can these profound changes to the body be perceived?

CHOREOGRAPHER Sylvain Émard
DANCERS Karissa Barry, Erika-Leigh Stirton, Sarah Murphy, Catherine Viau and Megan Walbaum
ARTISTIC ADVISOR AND REHEARSAL MISTRESS Ginelle Chagnon
ORIGINAL SCORE Michel F. Côté
VIDEO Effe
SET DESIGN Richard Lacroix
LIGHTING Etienne Boucher
COSTUMES François Saint-Aubin
HAIR AND MAKE-UP Angelo Barsetti

Following the success of Pluie and Temps de chien, Sylvain Émard began work on Wave, the third and final chapter of the Climatology of bodies cycle. Rather than denouncing present and forthcoming climate conditions, this new piece performed by five exceptional dancers explores our capacity and our individual desire to melt, to become part of an increasingly vast and multidimensional environment as changes in the natural world, observable on a global scale, seem to be accelerating at a furious pace.

Faced with these constant mutations our bodies respond, fluctuating between paralysis and the tumult of helplessness. Little by little, we are grasping the idea that we are losing control of our own behaviours. And while some cling to dogma, others let go and take refuge in the immediacy of the senses. Despite the imminent danger, how will we manage to create anchorage points that might prevent us from being cast adrift in utter chaos?

To portray this quandary, the five dancers will perform in a bare bones stage environment. This minimalist décor will accentuate the movement of the bodies. Pre-recorded video sequences will be projected onto three screens and the dancers as well, amplifying the impression of distortion.

The decision to work exclusively with female dancers accentuates the contrast between individual identity and group identity. The group is the backdrop framing the individual traits of each dancer, allowing for multiplicity of expression. By featuring five female dancers, Sylvain Émard seeks to mark in striking fashion the end of his dance trilogy.

Sylvain Émard will once again be assisted by renowned artists, as Wave's creative team will be composed of Michel F. Côté for music, Effe for video, Etienne Boucher for lighting, Richard Lacroix for set design and François Saint-Aubin for costumes. This team of collaborators will also include the artistic consultant and dance coach Ginelle Chagnon.

Work on Wave began in December 2007 and will culminate with its world première at the Zeeland Nazomerfestival in Holland on August 27th, 2008. It will then be presented at the internationale tanzmesse nrw in Düsseldorf, on August 29th 2008, before touring the Netherlands. Wave's North American debut will take place at Usine C, Montreal, from September 9 to 20, 2008. This project will benefit from two creative residencies, one at Usine C and the other at Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique.

Wave is an international co-production by Sylvain Émard Danse, Station Zuid (Netherlands), the Grand Théâtre de Lorient (France) and Usine C (Canada).