Harris Center: Spring 2019

IMPERFECT DANCERS COMPANY
ANNE FRANK — WORDS FROM THE SHADOWS
Thursday, January 31, 2019; 7:30 pm
IMPERFECT DANCERS COMPANY brings to ANNE FRANK
-WORDS FROM THE SHADOWS, an inspirational tribute to a young
woman’s life, spiritual strength and humanity in the midst of the
darkest time in the 20th century: the Second World War. This
work of extraordinary beauty and grace honors the memory
of Anne Frank whose touching story has moved and inspired
generations all over the world. This special tribute was created
to commemorate the seventieth anniversary of Anne Frank’s
arrest and deportation. The powerful and moving production
begins after the liberation of Auschwitz. Anne’s father, the only
survivor of the Frank family, returns to the Secret Annex where
he receives his daughter’s diary from Miep Gies. While reading
it, he discovers aspects of her personality that he did not expect.
He relives their absconding and the tragic events that followed.
ABOUT THE SHOW
ANNE FRANK: Words from the Shadows
The diary of Anne Frank invites us to think about the dark period
in our history, seen through the eyes of an adolescent. It warns
of the dangers of intolerance. This theme is still relevant today,
because we are still disturbed by anything that deviates from
our own opinions of what is “good” or “normal.”
"It is impossible to understand certain things," said Primo Levi,
writer and Auschwitz survivor "but it is necessary to be aware,
and it is our duty to keep their memory alive." Asked whether the
story of Anne Frank is more important than that of the millions
of other victims, Levi replied: "One single Anne Frank moves us
more than the countless others who suffered just as she did but
whose faces have remained in the shadows. Perhaps it is better
that way; if we were capable of taking in all the suffering of all
those people, we would not be able to live.”
"Anne Frank, parole dall'ombra" ("Anne Frank, Words From
the Darkness") is dedicated to Anne Frank, and was made to
commemorate the seventieth anniversary of her arrest and
deportation.
Choreography: Walter Matteini and Ina Broeckx
Dancers: ImPerfect Dancers Company
Decor and costumes: Ina Broeckx
Light design: Bruno Ciulli
Music: Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Richter and Pärt
Libretto: Walter Matteini and Stefano Mecenate
Premiere: May 11, 2014, Teatro Verdi, Pisa (Italy)
ABOUT THE DANCE COMPANY
IMPERFECT DANCERS COMPANY was founded by Walter
Matteini and Ina Broeckx in January 2009. Since its inception,
this eight-strong contemporary dance company has proven
tirelessly creative as it evolves, expands its repertoire, and
delights audiences with its sensitive, original and compelling
performances. In doing so, it has secured its rightful place in
the artistic landscape.
The source of that creativity and what makes the company so
uniquely different is its conscious diversity. As dancers and
human beings we all start from imperfection constantly striving
for the unattainable; individual and collective perfection. It is this
paradox that is encapsulated in the company’s name.
In this pursuit of excellence and precision, IMPERFECT DANCERS
COMPANY sets ever-higher standards and pushes itself to
new pinnacles of achievement. In just five years, the Company
has regularly toured throughout Europe [Germany, France,
the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey, Belgium], and has taken its
passionate and intensely physical repertoire to Africa, South
America, Canada, the US, the Festival de danse de Cannes,
Benefit Gala for the Alzheimer Stuttgart, Tanz-Tage Festival
Regensburg, Kultur Tempel Festival Karlsruhe, Chutzpah
Festival Vancouver, Cali International Dance Festival, Visa2Dance
Tanzania, just to name a few. ImPerfect Dancers Company has
been the resident dance company of the Pisa Opera and Ballet
Theatre in Italy since the 2011 season.
Artistic Director Walter Matteini is a rapidly rising star of the
European contemporary scene. His work is deeply human
and accessible, energetic and emotional, and pushes past
conventional interpretation and breathes fresh life into music
and stories which inspire him.
Co-Director and Co-Choreographer Ina Broeckx, a native of
Belgium, has had an extraordinary career throughout Europe
and is the Company’s costume and set designer as well as one
of the dance members. “Our choreographic language is intensely
physical and athletic, and hinges on our quest to explore and
understand the human soul in all its different facets. Our work
seeks to create an emotional connection with the audience.
While we usually draw inspiration from history and literature,
our choice of themes is always guided by careful consideration of
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