Fortier Danse-Création

Multifaceted youth. Happy or unhappy, tender-hearted or difficult, harbouring illusions, bitter regrets or incredible commitments. What’s the best way to approach youth? How do we encourage them to speak up? How do we invite them to express their beliefs, their doubts, their dreams, their joys and their anguish?

Second work by Paul-André Fortier for the youth after Jeux de Fous (1998), this creation takes a calculated risk by guiding without setting boundaries, proposing without imposing, listening and setting up, in the very heart of the piece, a space where the six young performers who surround him can come together, dialogue and confront one another.

Risque, a work for six young performers is like an invitation to open up to new spaces, in which, far from performance, success and failure, the emphasis is placed on imagination, dream and sensitivity. Take a chance on not having pictures, words or lyrics as a foundation. Take a chance on dialogue, mystery and confidence. Be disturbed and step out of the day-to-day in which bodies are hidden or exhibited.

”Between folly and wisdom, between caution and risk, isn't youth the only reasonable generation?”, a quote of Françoise Sagan.

“Joyous and intense, Paul-André Fortier’s Risque is an unexpected explosion of kinetic exuberance, a dance that unabashedly celebrates life, youth and the sheer vitality of the body. (...) One of the pleasure of any Fortier Danse-Création is the dedication to esthetic distinction in every element, and Risk is no exception.” – Pamela Anthony, Edmonton Journal, November 3, 2003

“Fortier’s inventiveness pushes the physical limits of the performers and the imagination of the audience. The result is impressive new work that reflets the unstoppable energy of youth.” – Laura Murray, The Georgia Straight, Vancouver, Nov-Dec, 2003

Risque

Choreographer Paul-André Fortier. Dancers Natasha Torres-Garner, Alana Elmer, Kate Hilliard, Caroline Laurin-Beaucage, Emmanuel Proulx, Manuel Roque. Original Music Alain Thibault. Lighting John Munro. Costumes Denis Lavoie. Costume Realization Carré Vert. Rehersal Mistress Ginelle Chagnon

Co-producers Brian Webb Dance Company, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Agora de la danse, Montreal, QC, Canada

Residencies Agora de la danse, Montreal, QC, Canada; Fondation Jean-Pierre Perreault, Montreal, QC, Canada; Salle Pauline-Julien, Sainte-Geneviève, QC, Canada

This work is dedicated to Ginelle Chagnon. Premiered on October 2003 at the Agora de la danse, Montreal, QC, Canada.