May 21 2014: Gary's night of dance and drama speaks up for diversity
DANCE, theatre, film, drag and cabaret…it’s all part of an evening celebrating issues of sexuality, identity, gender and relationships with acclaimed Barnsley dancer and choreographer Gary Clarke.
For one night only, Yorkshire Dance Associate Artist Gary is curating an evening that brings together an eclectic mix of established artists from the world of the arts, whose work explores the incredible diversity of life and sexuality in the 21st century.
The Yorkshire Dance Friday Firsts event, Bend It, comes to Yorkshire Dance in Leeds on June 6 at 7.30pm.
And Gary says the night will be both an adventure and a challenge as he mixes a host of genres to create a heady brew of political comment and outrageous entertainment.
“Anybody who has seen my previous work – and especially pieces like Coal – will know that I have always wanted to express my political beliefs in everything I do,” said Gary.
“I have been horrified recently to discover what has been happening to gay people in Russia – I was sick to my stomach!
“In England we now have Gay marriage, we can celebrate Gay Pride and we can live our lives as we choose and I want this evening’s programme to make people realise how lucky we are that we no longer face arrest and persecution because of gender or sexual belief.
Hosted by drag diva Mysti Valentine, the evening will include live performances from The Place Prize finalists h2dance, Luca Silvestrini’s Protein Dance (performed by Stuart Waters), solo artist Amy Bell and the avant-garde dance duo Thick and Tight (aka Daniel Hay Gordon and Eleanor Perry).
There will also be a special screening of the late Nigel Charnock’s 10 Men and the international premiere of award winning choreographer Lea Anderson and film maker Marisa Zanotti’s new documentary film Edits, followed by a post film discussion with Lea Anderson and guests.
With alternative music from DJ Fuzzy and a few surprises along the way, Bend It will take the audience on a journey of provocation and celebration.
“It is really exciting for me to be curating this evening of work,” said Gary.
“For me, Bend It is a celebration of ‘Queerness’ and an appreciation to our country where diversity is celebrated and not spat upon.”
Friday Firsts #24: Bend It
Fri 6 Jun, 7.30pm
Yorkshire Dance, 3 St Peter’s Buildings, St Peter’s Square, Leeds, LS9 8AH
Box Office 0113 243 8765
Book securely online at www.yorkshiredance.com
Tickets £8.00, concessions £6.00
