Chennai: The British Council will present a striking duet performance ‘Studies for C ‘ by internationally acclaimed Candoco Dance Company on the Indian platform, from 22 - 31 March, 2016. The act is composed by award-winning choreographer Javier de Frutos.
Taking inspiration from Tennessee Williams’ play Camino Real and Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, the performance depicts a couple trapped in a stagnating relationship, unable to escape the domestic world they inhabit because their reliance on each other has become so strong. Mexican wrestling masks and ranchera music by Lila Downs underpin the emotional power play of the dance. The costumes, designed by de Frutos, feature the writings of Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, who famously said ‘I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees.’
Mei-kwei Barker, Director, British Council South India, says, “Through our association with Candoco Dance Company, we are delighted to bring to our audience in India, for the very first time a duet performance by award-winning choreographer Javier de Frutos. The British Council aims to bring the best of artistic talent and collaborations to India, to not only strengthen ties between UK and India but also to raise audience awareness of the talent in both countries.”
Marianne Mogendorff, Programme and Touring Producer, Candoco Dance Company, says “This is an exciting opportunity for Candoco to forge new links across India and to give audiences the chance to experience our work live. 2016 is our 25th anniversary year and we hope that this visit is just the beginning of our collaboration with venues and artists in India.”
‘Studies for C’ like all of Candoco’s repertoire will be performed by both disabled and non-disabled dancers. The duet performance will create experiences for audiences and participants that excite, change and broaden perceptions of art and ability, and place people and collaboration at the heart. Candoco’s inclusive approach to dance practice follows the Social Model of Disability. Under the social model of disability, people are disabled by barriers within society, rather than being ‘victims’ of their impairments or conditions.
Candoco has been commissioning world class choreographers to make work for the company for 25 years, in which time they have toured to 59 countries.
Performance Schedule of the Candoco Company:
| City | Venue | Date and Time |
| Chennai | SPACES, Besant Nagar | 22 March at 7 p.m. |
| Kolkata | Rabindranath Tagore Centre, ICCR, Satyajit Ray Auditorium | 26 March at 1.30 p.m. |
| Delhi |
Sriram Centre, Mandi House |
29 March at 7 p.m. |
| Delhi |
The Theatre, British Council, 17, Kasturba Gandhi Marg |
30 March at 7 p.m. |