Rumours, Visions (Revival 1996)

The fantastic imagery of Arthur Rimbaud's poetry is a reflection of his short but turbulent creative life. Rumours, Visions takes images from both Rimbaud's life and his poetry blending them with Britten's sensuous ecstatic music.

"The duets for the two men are among the most beautiful pas de deux Alston has created"
The Observer

Okho (1996)

Okho is an exciting Iannis Xenakis score for three djembes - large African drums. The percussion provides the impulse for a tough and visceral dance for five men.

"The force builds to match even the fabulous crescendoes of Xenakis's drums"
The Guardian

Orpheus Singing and Dreaming (1996)

A stringent and dark interpretation of the Orpheus myth, this is a duet for the characters of Orpheus and Eurydice to the fierce, stark music of Harrison Birtwistle'sNenia: The Death of Orpheus.

"A work full of magic"
The Guardian

 

Beyond Measure (1996)

Beyond Measure

portrays a community drawn together by faith and the power of music. The deep emotion and simple austerity of Bach's magnificent sung chorales are juxtaposed with the intricacies of his organ preludes.

"A depth of emotional resonance...illuminates the choreography"
The Times

Rainbow Bandit (Revival 1995)

A revival of Alston's 1977 classic, Rainbow Bandit is fast and freewheeling set to Charles Amirkhanian's urgent, intriguing sound score.

Stardust (1995)

Hoagy Carmichael's famous melody has inspired countless interpretations. Alston takes seven, including recordings by Sarah Vaughan, Art Tatum, Wynton Marsalis, and creates a dance which is "affectionate nostalgic…jaunty and jazzy" The Times

Something in the City (1994)

Man Jumping's infectious music provides an irresistible springboard for exuberant dancing by the whole company.

"It's vigorous, celebratory and sends the audience home eager for more"
Manchester Evening News

 

Shadow Realm (1994)

A mysterious duet to a shivery score by Simon Holt.

"Played beautifully on stage by cello, harp and clarinet…a joy to behold"
Independent on Sunday

 

 

Lachrymae (1994)

Set to the compassionate and tender music of Benjamin Britten, Lachrymae spins emotional variations on a gentle song by John Dowland - melancholy, deeply moving.

"A thing of truth and beauty"
Independent on Sunday

 

 

Movements from Petrushka (1994)

A contemporary interpretation of one of Stravinsky's best loved ballet scores, the isolated anguish of Petrushka is intensified by the intrusion of carnival revellers.

"It is a remarkable performance - visionary, anguished, transcendent and raw"
The Guardian