THE MARK BRUCE COMPANY

Contemporary dance, Dance theatre, Theatre

SIZE OF COMPANY
4–10 on the road

SCALE OF VENUE
Small- to middle-scale

PERMANENT STAFF
Artistic Director
Mark Bruce

Company Manager
Elizabeth Mischler

ARTISTIC POLICY
The Mark Bruce Company creates an original style of dance theatre that engages and communicates with a wide audience – rooted in a crafted and original choreographic language, produced and performed by first rank artists, and incorporating other art forms and practices including music, design, theatre, film and new media.

REVIEW EXTRACTS
‘Bruce's choreography has never looked more inventive, with classically based moves twisted into ferocious gestures of destruction or strung out into decadent ennui.’ Judith Mackrell, The Guardian (Sea of Bones)

‘Bruce’s rural retreat has obviously done him good. Sea of Bones is the most passionate, grown-up choreography he has yet produced.’ Allen Robertson, The Times (Sea of Bones)

‘British contemporary dance needs to move forward, and the efforts of choreographers like Bruce are to be cheered. Let's hear it for Dionysus.’ Luke Jennings, The Observer (Bad History)

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS
Sea of Bones A dive into the collective unconscious – a dark journey into the Otherworld of dreams, heightened reality and ancient and modern mythology. Music includes Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Domenico Scarlatti. (70 mins plus 20 min interval, 7 on stage, 9 on the road.)

Bad History A duet set to music by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and The Doors – an almost Faustian tale, with hints of voodoo and the evolution of the blues. (15 mins, 2 on stage, 4 on the road, includes strong language.)

Green Apples A duet performed in the round to music by The White Stripes – a visceral and immediate performance experience, drawing the observer into the performer’s exposed relationship. (10 mins, 2 on stage, 2 on the road.)

FUTURE PRODUCTIONS
Arena (2009) A full-length work presented in the round – involving dance, film and animation – exploring the meeting and relationships between individuals in varying circumstances and environments. (Appropriate for non-traditional venues, performance space will be built and created, 4 on stage, 8 on the road.)

Love and War (2009) Sequel to Sea of Bones – following themes from the Odyssey, the fate of the Trojan Women, and other mythological tales. Love and War will draw parallels between the archetypal and modern age. (8 on stage, 10 on the road.)

WRAP-AROUND
Post-performance discussions, masterclasses, teaching of repertoire and workshops available for all productions – age 14+ with dance experience required.

TOURING AVAILABILITY
Sea of Bones from summer 2008
Bad History and Green Apples throughout 2008