FORTE IN RESONANCE II International Collaboration Platform16 August 2014, 8pm I University Cultural Centre Theatre

Choreography: Lo Pui Sze, Simona Cieri & Wiing Liu

Performance: ODT Main Co., Motus Co. (Italy) & Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

In association with

23 May – 20 November 2014Performances + Master Classes + Workshops + Meet-The-Practitioners Dialogues + ExhibitionsChina I Italy I Japan I Singapore I South Korea I Spain

With the support from:

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“I would like to thank the Odyssey Dance Theatre and its Artistic Director, Dr. Danny Tan, for organizing this important program that creates a bridge between Asia and Europe. It allows international dance companies to share experiences, master classes and performances, uniting two diverse cultures through art.”

H.E. Mr Anacleto Felicani Former Ambassador of Italy to Singapore, 2012

Presented by Produced by

MESSAGE

H.E. Paolo CrudeleAmbassador of Italy to Singapore

My congratulations to two celebrated companies – Odyssey Dance Theatre (Singapore) and MOTUS (Italy) for completing their first 3 year partnership, showcasing their virtuosic arts in enriching the souls of the audiences in Singapore and Italy for 3 years consecutively. This extraordinary partnership has set a new precedent in creating multiple meaningful and fulfilling dialogues, opening new creative space for both artists and companies that many artists and companies from Asia-Europe would have otherwise been dreaming of.

The Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Singapore are proud to be part of their enriching journey, witnessing their strong bond and commitment for a 3-year Memorandum of Understanding which started in May 2012. In 2012, MOTUS, as one of leading dance companies in Italy, received great commendation for its exquisite brand of dance with theatrical effects for the presentation of “Hope” in Singapore. In 2013, MOTUS’s six technically abled dancers impressed the Singapore audience with their strong identity of technical brilliance. This year, MOTUS’s Artistic Director Simona Cieri will present her latest creation - “Who are we”. Motus and ODT will perform in “Forte In Resonance II”, an International Collaboration Platform under ODT’s 6th DanzINC – International Dancers and Choreographers’ Festival, marking the conclusion of their 3 year journey.

I applaud Italian Choreographer Simona and Director Rosanna Cieri and well-celebrated Artistic Director Dr. Danny Tan, for fulfilling this wonderful testimony of artistic collaboration and international relations, and organizing excellent programmes that bridge Asia and Europe much closer through their original and authentic dances.

MOTUS and ODT have laid an impressive milestone for both companies and serve as exemplary models for artists and companies in both regions. This is certainly not a small feat in bridging differences in culture, language and nationalities that have transmitted values, emotions, ideas and beauty, and moving the hearts of thousands of audiences in both countries between 2012 – 2014.

Well done MOTUS and Odyssey Dance Theatre Ltd!

MESSAGE

Mr Chia Mia ChiangPresident, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) is pleased to be featured in the 6th DanzINC International Dancers & Choreographers’ Residency Festival through the festival highlight Forte in Resonance II: International Collaboration Platform. Organised by Odyssey Dance Theatre (ODT), this performance marks the company’s third instalment of DanzINC that aims to develop Asia-Europe exchange and partnership.

I congratulate our young Diploma in Dance alumna Wiing Liu who has been invited to present her contemporary dance work in this prestigious international event. Her choreography, “Flight of the Kaleidoscopic Mind”, is performed by six of our dance students together with an exchange student from our partner university the Purchase Conservatory of Dance. This experience will no doubt enrich the students’ learning as they will get to interact with the professionals during the festival.

Part of NAFA’s success lies in its efforts to connect our artistic community to the world. We have had numerous collaborative opportunities with ODT, including participation in Forte In Resonance: International Collaboration Platform held in 2012. Our alumna Elizabeth Sarah Lee Huxing, Best Dance Graduate 2012, presented her choreography “Running Bamboo” which was performed by her classmates. Showcasing the contemporary Asian direction of the department, the dance performance was well-received.

Aside from our Department of Dance, ODT has also actively engaged NAFA lecturers, students and alumni from the Departments of Music, Fine Art and Design & Media as guest artists and associate artists in 2014. NAFA believes in the value of interdisciplinary exchange and we are deeply appreciative of our synergistic partnership with ODT.

We at NAFA applaud ODT’s efforts in developing young creative talents, and we look forward to working closely with ODT to contribute towards a vibrant arts scene in Singapore.

3 – Year Collaboration between ODT & MOTUSYEAR ODT PERFORMANCES IN ITALY MOTUS PERFORMANCES IN SINGAPORE

2012

Siena FestivalAula Magna at Siena University (Siena)“Hi Heaven!”Performed by ODT Main CompanyChoreographed by Dr Danny Tan

5th DanzINC – Int’l Dancers & Choreographers’ Residency Festival - “Forte in Resonance”University Cultural Centre Hall“Hope”Performed & Choreographed by Ms Simona Cieri

Move Off Winter FestivalAlfieri Theatre (Castelnuovo Berardenga)“The Art of Faking” & “Hi Heaven!”Performed by ODT Main Company Choreographed by Dr Danny Tan, Lo Pui Sze & Linnea Ong

2013

7th Xposition ‘O’ Contemporary Dance Fiesta (Italy)Teatro Vascello ( Rome) & Teatro dei Rozzi (Siena)“Om” & “Flash”Performed by ODT Main Co.Choreographed by Dr Danny Tan

7th Xposition ‘O’ Contemporary Dance Fiesta -“Fervour”University Cultural Centre Hall“Meeting Point”Performed by MOTUS Co.Choreographed by Ms Simona Cieri

“Young Stars Series” – “Diversity”Aliwal Arts CentrePerformed by MOTUS Co.Choreographed by Ms Veronica Abate, Mr Andre Alma

“Celebration of the Senses”Aliwal Arts Centre

Move Off FestivalAlfieri Theatre (Castelnuovo Berardenga)“Asian Male Voices” & “Young Stars Series”Performed by ODT Main Co.Choreographed by ODT Associate Artistes [Wu Chun Hsien] & Yu Ho Sik& ODT Emerging Choreographers [Calvin Goh & Nurfarliana Bte M. Ghani)

2014

Move Off FestivalTeatro dei Rozzi (Siena) & Alfieri Theatre (Castelnuovo Berardenga)“Moments”Performed by ODT Main Co.Choreographed by Dr Danny Tan

6th DanzINC – Int’l Dancers & Choreographers’ Residency Festival - “Forte in Resonance II”University Cultural Centre Theatre“Who are we?”Performed & Choreographed by Ms Simona Cieri

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

With the 3-year MOU signed between ODT and MOTUS in May 2012, ODT has forged a deeper working relationship with the Italian counterparts while absorbing the rich arts culture and expertise of these arts practitioners.

In 2007, ODT’s acclaimed work ‘Providence’ was presented in Siena. ODT’s partnership with MOTUS continued in 2012 when ODT was invited to perform in Siena Festival and Move Off Winter Festival. MOTUS was also invited to premiere ‘Hope’ in Singapore as part of ODT’s 5th DanzINC – International Dancers & Choreographers’ Residency Festival.

In 2013, the 7th Xposition ‘O’ Contemporary Dance Fiesta brought together Dr. Danny Tan and Ms Simona Cieri with their companies, and premiered their works in Rome, Siena, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Singapore.

In June 2014, ODT had premiered “Moments” in Siena and Castelnuovo Berardenga under Move Off Festival. To conclude the successful 3-year MOU, ODT has invited MOTUS to perform in Singapore under the International Collaboration Platform as part of the 6th DanzINC Festival.

Sponsors and supporters who have made the MOU possible

National Arts Council

Singapore International Foundation

Arts Fund

Hong Leong Foundation

Kuo Pao Kun Foundation

Lee Foundation

Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple

Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan

The Embassy of Italy to Singapore

Italian Cultural Institute (Singapore)

Communi Di Siena

Comune Castelnuonovo Berardenga

RegionToscana

Chianti Banca

Il pomodorino

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea

Arts Council Korea

Dance Association of Korea

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

LaSalle College of the Arts

OnStage Arts & Management

Seoul Arts College

The Sultan Hotel

library@esplanade

Aliwal Arts Centre

OCBC Bank

PassionArts Card

Iceworks Communications Pte Ltd

Safra Card

Starlite Printers (Far East) Pte Ltd

Ticketbooth

ODT Main CompanyODT Main Company is currently made up of highly skilled homegrown Singaporean dance artistes. The professionalism and proficiency of these dance artistes have elicited international acknowledgments and acclaims from global audiences through ODT’s mainhouse seasons’ performances and international touring. The versatility and the matured artistry of these dance artistes have seen them translated each performing work to a creative output with artistic merit. Since inception, ODT main dancers have collaborated with various local and international artistes to produce major touring works such as “Fervour” and “Silent Connexion”. To date, it has collaborated with more than 50 international artistes and 18 international dance companies. ODT Main Company regularly receives commissions from ministries, festivals, and corporates, whilst serving as Singaporean cultural ambassadors on various established international platforms.

“Mapping Minds”“Mapping Minds” is a unique connection between each individual and one’s mandala. By mentally “entering” the mandala and progressing towards its centre, one is guided through the cosmic processes of disintegration and reintegration. It reminds us of our relation to infinity that will extend beyond and within our bodies and minds.

Choreographer : Ms Lo Pui SzeMentor : Mdm Goh Lay Kuan, Singapore Cultural Medallion RecipientPerformers : Ms Linnea Ong & Mr Calvin Goh Understudy – Ms Farliana Bte M. Ghani & Ms Serene NgMusic Director : Mr Clarence TanMusic : Providence(Luna Sea), Kung Fu Piano Cello Ascends & Emmanuel (The Piano Guys), O Come, O Come, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (Fredrika Stahl)Creative Design : Ms Serene Ng, Ms Yvonne Hong & Mr Max ChuaLighting Design : Mr Clement CheongTechnical Support : Mr Lee Kong ShenStaging Support : Ms Samantha Chia

Choreographer’s NoteThe understanding and encounters with mandalas had inspired my work of art – “Mapping Minds”. The word mandala means ‘circle’, although it may be dictated by other shapes such as squares, triangles or even irregular forms, symbolises perfection, eternity, unity and wholeness which generally has a concentric structure. The beginning of a mandala grew from the centre which I believed was the core and the center of gravity of an element. Through my pregnancy, the core and centre of gravity of a human being whereby the belly button connected to a growing life through an umbilical cord depicted the same understanding I had of a mandala.

My personal experiences with mandalas enabled me to comprehend that mandalas created by individuals will personify various meanings. In addition, each individual mandala is different and comprises its own unique meaning. Through the process, the meaning that each mandala holds is limited only by the creator and observer which unknowingly may reflect one’s personality, character, state of mind or even spiritual journey at that specific point of time. It had opened many white spaces and possibilities for one’s imagination and interpretation, as well as an instrument for mediation and reflection. In some cases, a collection of mandalas can tell the story of an individual and reveal the individual’s path in life.

Lo Pui SzePui Sze is the Associate Artistic Director at ODT. She holds a Master of Fine Arts (Dance) from the Queensland University of Technology (Australia). A long-standing member of Odyssey

Dance Theatre since 2001, she has accumulated her wealth of dance experiences with leading roles in more than 20 repertoires by Dr Danny Tan. She had represented Singapore for ODT’s performances at the ASEAN Festival of Arts 2003 in Malaysia and the Asian Dance Choreographers Festival 2004 in South Korea. As part of the 5th DanzINC- International Dancers & Choreographers’ Residency Festival, Pui Sze has performed ‘Hi Heaven!’ & ‘Dancing Demeanour’ in Italy’s Siena Festival and Move Off Festival and the 21st Korea Dance Festival 2012 in Yeonsu. Praised as one of Singapore’s most highly respected dancers by H.E. Mr Doug Chester (Australia’s former High Commissioner to Singapore), Pui Sze has choreographic collaborations with many eminent practitioners from Australia and South Korea. Pui Sze’s outstanding works were also invited to South Korea’s Mullae International Arts Festival 2012 and Italy’s Move Off Festival – Winter Edition and Bangkok’s International Dance Festival in the same year.

MOTUS (Italy) MOTUS is a dance company based in Siena (Italy) supported by the Tuscany Region and Siena City. It is the resident company at Municipal Theatre of Siena and is recognized as a Social Promotion Entity. MOTUS is a component of ADAC (Dance and Contemporary Art Association), and is associated to ARCI, FEDERDANZA/AGIS and is a member of UNESCO’s International Dance Council.

MOTUS is founded by Simona Cieri, together with Rosanna Cieri, a journalist and writer who is the author for MOTUS productions. Since 1994, the company is recognized as one of the most interesting dance companies in Italy, having received National Awards such as the Prize for Choreography 1994 in Spello. MOTUS tours extensively to major theatres in Italy and abroad through invitations from international festivals. In 2004 they were in New York to perform ‘Schiavi’ at the Seymour Weiner Theatre and they were invited to the BOCES Cultural Art Centre (Long Island) to teach stages, dance laboratories and workshops. The works of MOTUS are well received in Europe including the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Greece, United Kingdom, Romania, Bosnia Herzegovina as shown by its receipt of the International Prize TEATARFEST 2006 and International Prize TEATARFEST

Dance Department, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts The Department of Dance, established in 1984, has gained recognition as a leading provider of qualified dance practitioners for Singapore’s dance industry. The curriculum aims to prepare dynamic dance professionals locally and beyond with a Diploma programme articulating into a BFA degree with internationally renowned Purchase College of Arts, State University of New York (USA). Li Xue Xin, who graduated Bachelor cum laude, is among the successful NAFA alumni with a Purchase BFA.

Distinctive in its dedication to contemporary Asian performance as well as creation practices, the Department of Dance focuses on both Asian and Western dance. Rigorous practical technique training includes ballet and modern dance as well as performance, creative and contextual studies. This develops dance artists equipped to enter the competitive dance world and make a mark with their budding talent.

Wiing Liu Wiing graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts last year with a diploma in Dance in 2013. Over the years, she has studied from renowned choreographers including Xavier Leroy(France), Akiko Kitamura(Japan), James

Cousins(UK), Kitt Johnson(Denmark), Sun Shangchi(Germany), Pichet Klunchun(Thailand), and Singapore’s Lee Munwai and Mdm Lim Feishen. Apart from performing, Wiing has presented her works at M1 Openstage 2013, Sprouts 2013 & 2011, Evocation 2012 & 2011 and Danza!2009. With a never dying passion for dance, Wiing aspires to discover more about dance and its purpose. People are her main inspiration, and she aims to create works that are relevant to people.

2008. In 2011, “La conchiglia di Santiago” had published VENTI DI MOTUS (translated as TWENTY OF MOTUS) written by Andrea Mancini, the professor of Theatre Iconography at Siena University. The book documented 20 years of artistic activities by choreographer Simona Cieri and MOTUS.

Simona Cieri (Italy) Simona Cieri started her artistic career in 1984 and has been awarded many prestigious commendations including the 1994 National Choreographic Prize (Spello, Italy), 2006 Prize

Teatarfest (Sarajevo, BiH), 2008 Prize Teatarfest (Sarajevo, BiH), and Official Praises of the President of the Italian Republic in 2009 and 2010. Since 1994, Simona is the Director, choreographer and dancer at MOTUS. She has created a wide repertory of about 70 different works and her choreography is presented in main theatres and festivals, in Italy and abroad (USA, Spain, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Portugal, Greece, Romania, Bosnia Herzegovina). As choreographer and dancer, she has contributed to the works at other companies and artists including Al Yamanouchi, Gianni Miglietta, Sabrina Cesaroni, Margherita Sergardi, Claudio Ascoli, Sissi Abbondanza.

“Who are we?”Is the self an interchangeable entity, transforming with experience and society, or is it a fixed concept that is a more biological state than a sociological progression? The search for who we are is one of consistent discovery, but a definitive answer does not yet exist about what it really is that makes us all so different in a world full of stereotypes and idealisms.

Choreography and Dance : Ms Simona CieriDirected by : Ms Rosanna & Simona CieriMusic : Mr Antonio Vivaldi (Andante from Concerto in SI b maggiore per violino e archi)

“Flight of the Kaleidoscopic Mind”“Curious how all ones fibres seem to expand & fill with air when anxiety is taken off; curious also to me the intensity of my own feelings: I think imagination, the picture making power, decks up feelings with all kinds of scenes; so that one goes on thinking, instead of localizing the event. All very mysterious.” (Diary 4: 176)- Virginia Woolf

Choreographer : Ms Wiing LiuMentor : Ms Lim Fei Shen, Singapore Cultural Medallion RecipientPerformers : Ms Bai Qianhua, Mr Brandon Khoo Zhi Hao, Ms Karli Scott, Ms Panyaporn Piyapan, Ms Ren Chenxin, Ms Singsaweg Masakorn & Ms Titisa JeamsakulMusic : Olafur Arnalds’ “Dyad 1909”