At the Riley Theatre
The multi-layered complexity of England takes centre stage in Hofesh Shechter’s compelling new work for Shechter II.
From England with love is an ode to this intricate and beautiful country. Through Shechter’s choreography, the dancers evoke the paradox at the heart of this open, generous and soul-searching place, conflicted by its dark history and powerful attachment to old traditions. They draw us into their search for identity and self-knowledge as they grapple with this complex system of values. Performed to a rich score that combines the breath-taking sounds of English composers, presented in a clash with raging rock alongside echoes of choir and electronics in an avant-garde cacophony.
Playful and poignant, full of pride and paradox, From England with Love plays like a ‘Dear John' letter… a farewell note to old England and a peek into the heart and soul of this beautiful, yet complicated place.
Tickets:£15 (£12)
‘Hofesh Shechter’s young company are an international bunch but their slo-mo curves and sudden shocks deliver some startling home truths about the UK’
★★★★
– Lyndsey Winship, The Guardian
Shechter II is Hofesh Shechter Company’s paid professional development programme for the next generation of emerging artists aged 18 – 25 – a company of young dancers selected every two years and representing the most exceptional world-class dancers from across the globe.
Launched in 2018, this award-winning biennial programme provides dancers with the opportunity to spend a year in extraordinary proximity to the workings and practices of a major international touring dance company, creating, performing and delivering aspirational outreach projects of high quality in different spaces to different audiences, supported by an experienced creative and technical team. Ultimately the programme aims to nurture and grow proactive professionals able to enter the sector as rounded industry-conscious young artists, with the skills and knowledge to enjoy sustainable and outstanding careers, long into their futures.
Choreographer and composer Hofesh Shechter OBE is Artistic Director of UK-based Hofesh Shechter Company, Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells and Artist-in-Residence of Gauthier Dance (2021-2024). Shechter is recognised as one of the most exciting artists making work for both stage and film and renowned for composing atmospheric musical scores to complement the unique physicality of his movement style.
Hofesh Shechter’s repertoire for his company includes Uprising (2006), In your rooms (2007), The Art of Not Looking Back (2009), Political Mother (2010), Political Mother: The Choreographer’s Cut (2011), Sun (2013), barbarians (2015), Grand Finale (2017), SHOW (2018), POLITICAL MOTHER UNPLUGGED (2020) Double Murder (2021), Contemporary Dance 2.0 (2022) and From England with Love (2024).
