ProArteDanza reimagines Figaro in contemporary dance
A few days left to catch this Toronto production by immigrant choreographers Roberto Campanella and Robert Glumbek
ProArteDanza artistic director Roberto Campanella, an RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant (2018) from Italy, is presenting the world premiere of the contemporary dance company’s Figaro 2.0, which he co-choreographed with ProArteDanza artistic associate Robert Glumbek, also an immigrant to Canada from Poland.
The full-evening dance work opened on November 1 and runs at Harbourfront Centre’s Fleck Dance Theatre in Toronto until Saturday, November 10.
Robert Glumbek (left) and Roberto Campanella. Photo by Marlowe Porter.
Figaro 2.0 draws inspiration from the wit and drama of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro with a contemporary focus that explores the battle of the sexes, the #Metoo movement, infidelity, and, ultimately, the human condition — with some surprising twists from the original story along the way.
It is performed by an ensemble of some of Toronto’s most accomplished dancers: Robert Glumbek (Bartolo), Benjamin Landsberg (Figaro), Ryan Lee (Marcellina), Daniel McArthur (Count), Victoria Mehaffey (Suzanna), Kelly Shaw (Countess), Taylor Bojanowski (Chorus), Heidi Lorenz (Chorus), Jake Poloz (Chorus).
Music is, of course, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with select new transitional compositions by Greg Harrison.
A review by Deanne Kearney for Mooney on Theatre says: “ProArteDanza is one of Canada’s most highly regarded contemporary ballet companies. Their works are incredibly technical and fiercely physical. This work is no exception; however, with the added narrative, the company is brought to new heights.”
During a question-and-answer period after the show, Kearney says the audience and cast talked about the themes in the work in relation to the #MeToo movement. “When asked what made the co-choreographer take on this large project, choreographer Roberto Campanella quickly stated ‘alcohol,’ to which the audience laughs. Although as he continues to talk, with dramaturg John Ottmann, you see why they were the perfect company to take on the challenge. I highly recommend seeing this show before it’s gone.”
Tickets ($27-$50) are available by calling the Harbourfront Centre Box Office at 416-973-4000 or visit ProArteDanza’s website.