OPIUM

The French artist Jean Cocteau (1889-1963) was one of the great multi-disciplinary artists of the 20th century. His works span virtually all the arts and his contribution is highly regarded throughout the world. In the Twenties, Cocteau began experimenting with opium. The drug was popular among artists of the era but for Cocteau, the experiment soon became an addiction.

Suddenly Dance Theatre's dance drama OPIUM is inspired by a three-month episode in the artist's life. Originally written as a visual poem for the stage by Canadian author Miles Lowry, OPIUM imagines Cocteau's harrowing stay at a clinic near Paris in 1929, where he had hoped for a cure. Despite the challenges of withdrawal, physical pain, and severe writer's block, he battled to continue his creative path and wrote a diary of his own cure.

Choreographed and performed by Suddenly Dance Theatre's David Ferguson; Canada's rising dance star Jung–ah Chung; and Quebec's Dominique Porte, OPIUM observes the artist through fits of creative madness and addiction.

Here we encounter a Poet desperate to create, despite the disruptions of his rebellious Shadow, an armless Statue, waltzing Nurses, and a seductive Sphinx. Through the language of dance, theatre, and cinema, OPIUM explores a collapse of the senses that is ultimately a triumph over addiction and suggests art as a means for survival.

This theatrical dance-film features a dreamy narration in English and French and an original score by the LA based Eclipse Quartet.

Directed by Miles Lowry and David Ferguson
Written by Miles Lowry
Produced by David Ferguson

Suddenly Dance Theatre presents

OPIUM

Starring:
David Ferguson
Jung-ah Chung
Dominique Porte
Jennifer Wise
Niels Knudsen

Running Time: 24:00/47:00

For more information and media inquiries please visit www.suddenlydance.ca or contact info@suddenlydance.ca

OPIUM was produced in association with BRAVO! Canada, a division of CHUM Limited; in collaboration with ARTV; with participation from The Canadian Television Fund; The British Columbia Arts Council; The Capital Region District. With exclusive accommodation by The Magnolia Hotel and Spa, Victoria, B.C.