DanceWorks presents acclaimed Toronto choreographer/dancer Louis Laberge-Côté in the world premiere of his full-length solo The art of degeneration
It’s all make believe, isn’t it?” – Marilyn Monroe
(TORONTO, October 4, 2018): DanceWorks is pleased to present the world premiere of The art of degeneration, choreographed and performed by the award-winning Toronto-based dancer/choreographer Louis Laberge-Côté. Multidisciplinary and thought-provoking, The art of degeneration runs from Wednesday, October 31 to Saturday, November 3 at The Citadel, in Toronto’s Regent Park/Cabbagetown neighbourhood at 304 Parliament St.
The art of degeneration is Laberge-Côté’s first full-length solo created for himself. An organic journey that blurs the lines between inner and outer, intimate and public, spontaneous and planned, as well as personal and universal, The art of degeneration is rooted in the exploration of ideas surrounding degeneration and renewal. Through this intuitive and compelling full-evening work, Laberge-Côté aspires to initiate discussions on human and social issues that include decay, aging, mental illness, celebrity, excess and performance. As Marilyn Monroe was known to say, “It’s all make believe, isn’t it?”
Acclaimed dancer Michael Caldwell makes a few brief appearances throughout the 90-minute work. Multi-media design is by Jeremy Mimnagh, lighting design is by Simon Rossiter, costumes and props are by Cheryl Lalonde, Phil Strong is the composer and sound designer, and Fides Krucker is the rehearsal director and vocal coach for a production filled with depth and sophistication.
Choreographer Bio: Louis Laberge-Côté is a Toronto-based dancer, choreographer, teacher and rehearsal director. An acclaimed performer, he has danced nationally and internationally with over 30 companies and has been a full-time member of Toronto Dance Theatre (1999-2007) and the Kevin O’Day Ballett Nationaltheater Mannheim (2009-2011). He has created over 80 choreographic works which have been presented and commissioned in Canada and abroad. His work has garnered him a 2014 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Choreography (…et même après at dance: made in canada/fait au canada), as well as eight other individual and ensemble nominations for Performance or Choreography. A sought-after pedagogue, he has taught classes and workshops all across Canada and has recently been appointed Assistant Professor of Dance at Ryerson University. He holds an MFA in Creative Practice from the University of Plymouth (UK).
DanceWorks began as a collective of independent dance artists in 1977 and has grown to become Toronto’s leading presenter of independent dance. DanceWorks offers seasons of eclectic, exhilarating choreography programmed to intrigue, challenge and enthrall. DanceWorks adds to the theatrical experience with Carol’s Dance Notes and post-performance conversations with artists. http://www.danceworks.ca
Report by: Dianne Weinrib | DW Communications Inc.
