Press Release: Sadler's Wells presents stars of Israel’s thriving dance scene with a performance about OCD this Autumn

[Jan McNulty]

UK PREMIERE 

Sadler’s Wells Debuts
L-E-V                                                          
OCD LOVE
Sadler’s Wells, EC1R 4TN                                                                                                                
Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 September
Performances at 7.30pm
Tickets: £18
Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com

Sadler’s Wells Debuts offer a chance to discover the work of choreographers new to the Sadler’s Wells stage. This season sees the stars of Israel’s thriving dance scene, Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar present the UK premiere of their company, L-E-V’s latest work, OCD LOVE on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 September.

Inspired by the poem "OCD" by Neil Hilborn, who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD LOVE examines love that always misses and lovers out of sync. Like something that is full and intact, but has many holes in it. Eyal and Behar explore that vacant space, viewing themes of the heart through the lens of obsessive-compulsive disorder, with live music from the company’s third creative, Sound Artist Ori Lichtik.

Performed to deep, pulsing beats and tribal grooves the music for OCD LOVE, and all the work Lichtik has created with the company, is produced alongside and throughout the choreographic process, reflecting the dancers’ movements. In turn the choreography is inspired by the tone and pace of the percussive sounds and rhythms. Each live show is then improvised with fresh layers of digitally manipulated effects, creating a unique sound experience for every event.

L-E-V launched in 2013 with a pledge to move and engage a diverse spectrum of new audiences and join together movement, music, lighting, fashion, art and technology. The work could equally be seen at a techno club or at an opera house.

Eyal was born in Jerusalem and danced with the Batsheva Dance Company from 1990 until 2008. She served as Associate Artistic Director from 2003 - 2004 and House Choreographer of the company from 2005 - 2012.

Behar initially started as an events producer and was a leading part in the Tel Aviv nightlife scene as well as a curator of multidisciplinary art events from 1999 until 2005.

Lichtik is a multifaceted musician, drummer and creative DJ and is one of the founding fathers of the techno scene in Israel. He has created and produced musical productions, techno raves and various other music and performance events since 1996. 

Free post-show talk: Monday 19 September 2016 

Video link: http://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2016/l-e-v-ocd-love/



Notes to Editors:


Listings information

UK PREMIERE 
Sadler’s Wells Debuts
L-E-V                                                                                        
OCD LOVE
Sadler’s Wells, EC1R 4TN                                                                                                                
Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 September
Performances at 7.30pm
Tickets: £18
Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com


ABOUT SADLER’S WELLS 
Sadler's Wells is a world-leading dance house, committed to producing, commissioning and presenting new works and to bringing the very best international and UK dance to London and worldwide audiences. Under the Artistic Directorship of Alistair Spalding, the theatre’s acclaimed year-round programme spans dance of every kind, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap. Since 2005 it has helped to bring over 90 new dance works to the stage and its award-winning commissions and collaborative productions regularly tour internationally. Sadler’s Wells supports 16 Associate Artists, three Resident Companies and an Associate Company and nurtures the next generation of talent through hosting the National Youth Dance Company, its Summer University programme, Wild Card initiative and its New Wave Associates.

Located in Islington, north London, the current theatre is the sixth to have stood on the site since it was first built by Richard Sadler in 1683. The venue has played an illustrious role in the history of theatre ever since, with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Opera all having started at Sadler’s Wells.

Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation and currently receives approximately 10% of its revenue from Arts Council England.