Standing Ovations in Holland for Douglas Wright’s rapt

Pre-eminent New Zealand choreographer and award-winning writer Douglas Wright’s work rapt was performed in The Hague at the prestigious Lucent Danstheater in April to standing ovations from sold-out houses. The invitation from one of the world’s largest dance festivals, Holland Dance, was a rare opportunity to showcase the work of New Zealand’s most iconic and revered dance theatre artist. It has been 17 years since Wright’s seminal work Forever, toured Europe to widespread critical and audience acclaim. The performance programme recorded that “In rapt, Wright presents dance as the driving force of our existence. The production unleashes a torrent of stimulating images and unforgettable dance series, which are remarkable in their tranquility and strength. With music by the 17th-century Baroque composer Heinrich Franz Biber and composer David Long, rapt is imbued with the nerve-rackingly pure and humorous hallmark of an exceptionally innovative artist.” “Douglas Wright’s rapt is a mesmerizing work of art,” said Samuel Wuersten, Artistic Director Holland Dance. “rapt is a remarkable piece and strikingly different from anything our audiences are used to seeing in our part of the world. Exquisite dance sequences performed by a group of superb dancers in the very distinct movement language of Douglas Wright empower the theatrical scenes which are enigmatic and moving. rapt and more of Douglas Wright’s work is a refreshing discovery for Europe. I am glad it has finally found its way here. A true (re)discovery of a great artist in dance.” The project has received major funding support from Creative New Zealand through its International Presentation Fund. Crowdsourcing raised $35k to realise the project. rapt was commissioned by the Auckland Arts Festival and produced by Phil Evans.