P.A.R.A.D.E.

National Dance Company Wales | 2017

Comissioned by R17 to commemorate 100 years since the Russian Revolution P.A.R.A.D.E. was co-created by artist Marc Rees and NDCW artistic director Caroline Finn.

The ballet Parade was originally staged in 1917 by the Ballet Russes with music score by Satie and set and costumes by Picasso.

We were invited to create the scenography for the re-imagined ballet Parade, directed by Finn as well as the additional scenes created and directed by Rees staged in the foyers and plazas of the Wales Millenium Centre and Pontio Arts Centre.

Taking inspiration from the number of workers packing and shipping goods inside cardboard box emporia in 2017, most of the scenes were staged in cardboard. NDCW dancers employed various devices to revolt from assembly workers into a circus of players wearing costumes by Rhi Matthews.

The recording originally shown on the BBC is available at the Parade minisite.

Guardian review by Judith Mackrell.