Press Release: KVN Dance Company presents Coppelia, a reimagined version of the classic ballet at The Cockpit from 2 - 11 September

[Jan McNulty]

PRESS RELEASE 

 

KVN Dance Company presents
Coppelia
The Cockpit, London
Thursday 2 - Saturday 11 September 2021
Performances at 19.30, matinee at 15.00  
Tickets: £22
www.kvndancecompany.com/coppelia  

’It is difficult to appreciate the depth of Kevan’s talent… his credits certainly show a huge breadth of work in many and varied styles…’’ Sir Trevor Nunn

 

This autumn, KVN Dance Company presents its inaugural performances of Kevan Allen’s reimagined version of the classic ballet Coppelia, premiering at The Cockpit from 2 - 11 September.

 

For Coppelia Kevan will expand and develop the existing story, delving deeper into the background of the characters and immersing the audience into the sometimes-unsettling mind of Dr Coppelius.

 

While the traditional ballet focuses on Dr Coppelius, Swanhilder and the life-size doll that comes between them, this retelling will address his intent on creating the doll and how that impacts on his relationship with the wider community of villagers.

 

Working with a collective of leading artists, Coppelia will be set to an adapted, remixed version of the original Delibes score by Rickard Berg, who has previously collaborated with Mick Jagger, Mica Paris and Gavin Rossdale. The production will also feature costumes and styling by Wendy Olver whose credits include Sir Elton John, Mulberry and Harvey Nichols. Full casting will be announced shortly.

 

KVN Dance Company was founded in 2017 by world-renowned director and choreographer Kevan Allen. Having created work on stages around the world for a range of creatives including Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Trevor Nunn and Kylie Minogue, KVN Dance Company marks the next stage in Kevan’s illustrious career.

The Company aims to bring a diverse mix of choreographic styles and dance forms together to create original and inspiring works that cross all genres of dance, breaking down barriers and introducing Kevan’s eclectic and innovative style to new audiences.

Artistic Director and Choreographer, Kevan Allen said: “It is my wish for KVN Dance Company to use a dynamic fusion of dance styles that bring energy and life into the stories we tell. I adore the movement and physicality of the body and want to develop immersive dance experiences so people can witness the vitality and power of a performer up close. By reinventing the classics, such as this version of Coppelia, and introducing new experimental works, I want to bring new audiences to experience the joy of dance.”

[Sim]

Swanhilder?!

[San Perregrino]

8 hours ago, Sim said:

Swanhilder?!

well, it’s described as a re-telling of the story with a remix of the Delibes score so perhaps names and maybe more have been modified too. It’s aroused my curiosity.

[Sim]

2 hours ago, prs59 said:

well, it’s described as a re-telling of the story with a remix of the Delibes score so perhaps names and maybe more have been modified too. It’s aroused my curiosity.

But here they are referring to the characters in the original ballet…

[Jan McNulty]

Full casting announced for Coppelia, the inaugural performances by KVN Dance Company

KVN Dance Company are thrilled to announce the full cast for the forthcoming World Premiere of Coppelia, by leading choreographer and director Kevan Allen. This brand-new re-imaging of the classic ballet will open at the Cockpit Theatre for a strictly limited run from Thursday 2 September – Saturday 11 September 2021. Tickets on sale now!

 

The eclectic cast of 13 dancers come from wide range of training and professional backgrounds, echoing the company’s mission to present dance in all its forms to the widest possible audience.

 

 

Performing in the role of Dr Coppelius is Micheal Downing whose credits include music videos for international popstars Olly Murs, MK and Becky Hill and who recently received rave reviews for his performances in Peter and the Wolf at the Hackney Empire. He is joined by Marina Fraser as Swanhilder, who has danced with The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and the Viviana Durante Company, and Danny Fogarty as Franz, who recently appeared in the hugely successful Netflix period drama Bridgerton.

 

They are joined by Rosie Southall (Snow White, Wayne McGregor Reset 2020), Laura Braid (core member of BirdGang), Evonnee Bentley-Holder (Guys and Dolls, Doctor Dolittle), Ediz Ibrahim (Bridgerton, Remembering the Oscars), Tamsin January (All or Nothing - The Mod Musical), Thomas Charles (A Christmas Carol), Jeanie Ryan (Flashdance the musical), Zach Parkin (New Adventures: Edward Scissorhands, Lord of the Flies and Swan Lake), Diante Lodge (The Best of the West End) and Ellis Rose Rother (Netflix: The Crown and Jingle Jangle)

 

The production is a complete reimagination of the classic ballet Coppelia and will expand and develop the existing story, delving deeper into the background of the characters and immersing the audience into the sometimes-unsettling mind of Dr Coppelius. While the traditional ballet focuses on Dr Coppelius, Swanhilder and the life-size doll that comes between them, this retelling will address his intent on creating the doll and how that impacts on his relationship with the wider community of villagers.

 

Coppelia features a remixed version of the original Delibes score by Rickard Berg who has previously collaborated with Mick Jagger, Mica Paris and Gavin Rossdale. The production will also feature costumes and styling by Wendy Olver whose credits include Sir Elton John, Mulberry and Harvey Nichols.

 

KVN Dance Company was founded in 2017 by world-renowned director and choreographer Kevan Allen. Having created work on stages around the world for a range of creatives including Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Trevor Nunn and Kylie Minogue, KVN Dance Company marks the next stage in Kevan’s illustrious career.

 

The Company aims to bring a diverse mix of choreographic styles and dance forms together to create original and inspiring works that cross all genres of dance, breaking down barriers and introducing Kevan’s eclectic and innovative style to new audiences.

[Guest]

World renowned?