OYSTER / creation 1999

Choreographed by Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak

Oyster- A magical and mysterious full-evening work. Combining the dreamlike qualities of Fellini and the keen intellect of Pina Bausch, Inbal and Avshalom have created a fantastic circus-world of wandering street acrobats and oddly beautiful creatures. Performers and dancers in doll-like make-up, spiky blonde wigs, and tutus alternately become puppets or puppeteers – in one delightful scene, a girl in a bouffant dress becomes a ringing bell. The eclectic score spans opera (Pagliacci), tango (Piazzolla), Harry James Yma Sumac and Tuvan throat singers. Pinto's unique movement encompasses ballet, contemporary, mime and acrobatics. This is a dazzling work that The Village Voice has described as, "Part surreal vaudeville, part circus, and part toy store after midnight. Whimsical… a delight for the eye."

Source : Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance

Credits

Chorégraphie, Costumes, Décors Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak
Lumières Yoann Tivoli
Arrangement musical Zahi Patish et Avshalom Pollak
Co-production of Haifa Municipal Theatre, Maison de la Danse, Lyon,Suzanne Dellal Center – Curtain up International exposure 1999

Updating : April 2012

Inbal Pinto was born in Israel in 1969, and began her formal dance training at age 13. She studied graphic arts at The Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem, and worked as a graphic designer for her army service. As a dancer, she first joined The Bat Sheva Ensemble and was promoted to the senior Bat Sheva Company. In 1990, she began her career as a choreographer. She was invited to The American Dance Festival to take part in its International Choreographers Program in both 1997 and 1998. In 2000, she won a Bessie - the New York Dance and Performance Award for her creation “Wrapped”. Pinto also created the choreography for theatrical works, such as "The Chairs" and "Romeo and Juliet". In 2000, she was given Israel's Ministry of Culture Award for Dance and the Tel Aviv Municipal Award for Artistic achievements.

Source : Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company 's website

More information

inbalpinto.com