By Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
A film by Thomas James
The earth and the underworld intertwine and overlap in Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s “torn apart” quartet, Laid in Earth, interpreted for screen in director Thomas James’s ethereal film, a surreal blending of fluid choreography and an eerie other-worldly aesthetic.
Laid in Earth is set to Purcell’s famous aria from Dido and Aeneas – sung by mezzo soprano Flora McIntosh — as well as new electronic music by composer and multi-instrumentalist Olga Wojciechowska, a long-time collaborator of Cherkaoui.
“Cherkaoui’s sensuous choreography has a slowly mesmeric rise and fall while Purcell’s Dido’s Lament seals the sombre tone.”
The Times
“A gothic tale of death and decay, evocatively filmed.”
The Observer
“This is a wholly realised work – neither filmed ballet, nor ballet film but something other.”
The Stage
“A haunting work.”
Culture Whisper
Dancers: Precious Adams, Jeffrey Cirio, James Streeter, Erina Takahashi
Rental also includes a bonus Behind the Scenes mini-documentary, featuring Assistant Choreographer Jason Kittelberger, and dancers Erina Takahashi and Precious Adams. Documentary by Michael Nunn & William Trevitt.
Sarah and Dominic Murphy are Lead Supporters of the Short Digital Commissions.
Click here to purchase Laid in Earth as a gift.
Planning to watch on your Smart TV? We recommend reading the following Help article and testing your setup first.
