By Ohad Naharin
Minus One draws on seven of Naharin’s previous works — Zachacha, Sabotage Baby, Black Milk, Passomezzo, Anaphaza, Queens of Golub and Mabul — to create a single work that’s far beyond a collage.
Complex, meticulously crafted, the ballet’s component parts ingeniously interlock to produce what can only be called alchemy. In this explosive homage to dance and dancers, members of Naharin’s troupe speak as part of the piece, each taking turns dancing a solo to a recording of their own voice in which they share personal anecdotes and describe their relationship to dance. To a propulsive soundtrack that alternates between traditional and pop songs, baroque pieces, world rhythms and original compositions, 26 dancers perform with dazzling speed, jumping and twirling, pausing to give way to slower, hypnotic — but equally inspired — moves before resuming their infectious velocity.
In a rare festive atmosphere, the dancers abandon themselves joyously to the dance, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Daringly orchestrated, their gestures are by turns merry, contemplative, comical or perfectly synchronized, full of grace, agility and humour. Minus One highlights Naharin’s extravagant energy, provocative and unpredictable choreography, and rich musical sensibility.
The stories told by our dancers on stage are an integral part of the work Minus One. They were prerecorded in the language chosen by the choreographer, Ohad Naharin. For a better understanding, Les Grands Ballets is happy to propose you the translation of these stories: simply click the button below.
As one of the most sought after choreographers in the world, Ohad Naharin has developed his own movement language and vocabulary known as gaga. Gaga emphasizes listening to the body rather than telling it what to do. Natalie Portman trained with him to prepare for her role in Black Swan. Recently he and his gaga have become the subject of Haeymann Brothers’ documentary, Mr. Gaga, using clips and footage covering 30 years of his life.
"A marvellous evening where each dancer’s personality and qualities are brought out by a choreographer who knows them very well and who, in his striking eclecticism, is able to move seamlessly from wild expressionism to pure abstraction."Ballet 2000
"Naharin’s choreography is edgy, theatrical, witty, and driven—making Minus One as accessible to first-time dance audiences as it is to regular ballet goers. Canadians have reason to take pride in this passionate performance of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens."Ballet-Dance Magazine
"The work stems from excerpts of seven previous choreographies by Naharin, which are brought to life with a physicality drawn out from his signature improvisation form, gaga."The Dance Current
Various
Avi Yona Bueno
Created for
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal (May 2002 - Place des Arts, Montréal)
Number of dancers 29
Length 85 min. (without intermission)
