SHEILA CHISHOLM
Reading the stars goes back to when homo sapiens first noted the heavens held countless tiny twinkling twinkles. After astronomers defined the 12 Zodiac signs, and the four elements, astrologers forecasted whether young couples, born under different signs, would be compatible. Falling under the element Water are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces; under Fire fall Aries, Leo and Sagittarius; Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn fall under Earth and under Air Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.
Profiles of Zodiac characters
With these in mind Robin van Wyk, Cape Town City Ballet’s (CTCB) artistic director and choreographer Kirsten Isenberg put their heads together to create a ballet they call The Earthwalker.
Premiering at Artscape Opera House, from 9 to 11 June, while Earthwalker’s dancers draw profiles of Zodiac characters, van Wyk and Isenberg weave the elements into their synopsis.
In one act, Earthwalker tells of Taurus, a young (bull) star who walks the Earth seducing maidens. On wandering into the Scorpions camp, he meets Virgo – beautiful daughter of King Scorpio and Queen Pisces. They fall in love. Unfortunately she is already betrothed to
Sagittarians Prince Leo. When Leo’s parents – King Sagittarius and Queen Aries – discover the relationship, they seek help from Aquarius, the galaxy’s most powerful star.
Aquarius decides Taurus and Leo must fight it out. A fight which Leo loses.
Neo-classical/contemporary style
Van Wyk and Jensen have chosen to choreograph in a neo-classical/contemporary style. profiles of Zodiac characters, They’ve given Scorpions, and Sagittarians different styles which identify each tribe, and incorporate mathematical signs into port de bras and body movements. Action takes place against a black box stage. Taped music mixes Nicholas Birtell, Armand Amar, Alberto Iglesisias and Christopher Young, and costumes are wardrobe sourced.
The role of Taurus is shared by Thomas Thorn and Revil Yon; Laura Bosenberg and Cleo Ames share Virgo; Daniel Szybkowski and Martin Milne share Leo; Ivan Boonzaaier and Marc Goldberg alternate as Aquarius.
This programme includes Cape Junior Ballet, Zama, and Kirvan Fortuin’s Silver and Gold (You & I).
What: Earthwalker
Where: Artscape Opera House, Cape Town
When: 9 June at 7.30pm, 10 June at 2pm and 7.30 pm and 11 June at 3pm
Book: www.Computicket.co.za, or Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695
WS
