The Troth

Ini nita

death is also a form of rebirth. The dancers in Dep are nude for a purpose. Fragile and vulnerable, their nudity literally strips them bare. The movement invites the audience to let go, reaching ever closer to the feeling of being alive. ZOO Venues in conjunction with DanceXchange and Dance4 present a series of new choreographic works from emerging artists in the Midlands. Don’t miss the chance to see new voices in British dance. Full programme at ZOOfestival.co.uk

DISTINCTION ZOO Venues ZOO Southside, Sun 19–Mon 27 Aug, 4pm, £12 (£10). A LIFE ON THE SILK ROAD National Theatre of China ZOO Southside, Mon 13–Fri 24 Aug (not 15), 8.15pm, £14 (£12). Preview Sun 12 Aug, £10.

A dynamic multimedia production from the National Theatre of China, recreating the epic journey from east to west along the historic Silk Road. In a collaboration with French theatre makers, digital projection and an electronic soundtrack complement a cast of 16. Following the success of their 2017 Edinburgh Fringe production Luocha Land, this new production by celebrated choreographer Zhao Miao once again combines Chinese mythology with powerful visuals and contemporary physical theatre.

PARADISO Our Theatre ZOO Charteris, Sun 19–Mon 27 Aug, 11.30am, £12 (£10). Paradiso is a wordless physical piece presented by renowned Georgian puppetry company Our Theatre. A stunning production with creative use of puppetry and music, it tells a story of happiness and sorrow across whole lives in three old men’s last days, with a fantastic cast who will move the audience to laughter and tears.

PIE EQUALS SQUARE GT Artistry ZOO Southside, Thu 16–Wed 22 Aug, 1pm, £14 (£12). Pie Equals Square is a structural feat that constantly evolves and folds in on itself, challenging the timeline of our shared existence. Choreographer Paula Mann’s idiosyncratic, whimsical post-modernist movement combined with composer Hans Kruger’s soulful sound score provides the perfect counterpoint to our rollercoaster world.

STEP INTO AFRICA IV 34/18 Youth Dance Company ZOO Southside, Sun 5–Sat 11 Aug, 11.25am, £14 (£12). Back at the festival for the fourth time, 34/18 Youth Dance Company bring 14 dancers, six fresh young choreographers and the experience of the artistic director, Wendi Abrahams, to perform a reboot of modern dance. This young company will show their versatility in contemporary, gumboot, pantsula and hip hop styles. Experience the vibe, energy and talent found in Cape Town, South Africa.

5 DAYS OF FALLING TrashDollys ZOO Charteris, Sun 19–Sun 26 Aug, 3.40pm, £10 (£9). Sam Amos (TrashDollys) explores solitude and man’s inability to articulate emotion in 5 Days of Falling. Encompassing the freedom and expressive nature of b-boying and contemporary dance while highlighting the ever-growing crisis of male suicide, this one-man show blends breathtaking physicality with words and music to magnify the i nal stages of a young man’s journey through isolation. ZUGUNRUHE MECHANIMAL ZOO Southside, Thu 9–Sun 26 Aug (not 15), 1.45pm, £10 (£9). Previews Tue 7 & Wed 8 Aug, £7. Zugunruhe explores the incredible l ight of a marsh warbler, the world’s only bird whose song echoes its migration route. Rehearsing among birds in the wetlands of Somerset, performer Tom Bailey creates a feast of bird behaviour alongside a digital sound map of the marsh warbler’s journey, made by composer Rowan Evans. Developed in residence at UCL Migration Research Unit. Supported by The Leverhulme Trust, Arts Council England and Red Brick Building.

FESTIVAL 2018 | PLEASANCE | SUMMERHALL | ZOO 67