Underfoot, choreographed and performed by Katja Nyqvist, is a sideways look at our common ground, uncovering fresh perspectives as it zooms and shifts through structures and improvisation.
For How Much?, choreographed by Annarita Mazzilli, is inspired by true stories of forced labour across the world, calling into question the consumer choices which allow such practices to continue. It was originally commissioned by the International Organisation for Migration UK (IOM) as part of their ‘Buy Responsibly’ campaign.
Annarita and Katja have both previously choreographed shows at the Blue Elephant. Lumenis Theatre brought Annarita’s first dance theatre piece, Casa, there in May 2011 (in which Katja performed) while Katja’s association with the theatre dates back to 2007 when she choreographed and performed Six Litres Of Air, a collaboration with an electric cello player.
Katja Nyqvist gained her initial dance experience in Finland, later graduating from Laban. As well as being an experienced dance artist and performer, she lectures at a number of London universities, including Roehampton and Birkbeck. She focuses on work which gives attention to presence and the spatiality of performance, making the intimate Blue Elephant an ideal performance space for her.
Annarita Mazzilli came from her native Italy to study Dance at Bretton Hall (University of Leeds), continuing her studies, like Katja, at Laban. She is an associate artist of Dance Physics and La Strada Fashion Circus and co-ordinating the performing arts department for Idea Store Learning. The work of her Mazzilli Dance Theatre Company explores ideas relating to multiculturalism, cultural identity and integration within a society, inspired by her own experiences of fitting into life in England.
Find out more about the rich variety of West End shows on offer in Theatreland.