Marc Brew Company (Australia/Scotland)

UCHRONIA

Date: 25th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 24mins

Synopsis:

Commissioned by Sadler’s Wells for Liberty Festival in 2016, Uchronia uses nostalgia as a starting point to tell a story with multiple endings, exploring what might have been… An international co-creation between Brazilian artists Natalia Mallo and Giselle Calazans and Marc Brew Uchronia explores how re-inventing the past can shape an alternative future. The presentation at Dance Festival Malta features award winning dancers Marc Brew and Hayley Earlam. 

About the Company:

Marc Brew Company is a trailblazing inclusive dance company that creates powerful performances. We collaborate with disabled and non-disabled artists, to create dynamic and emotive contemporary dance that challenges perceptions. The company is led by disabled and queer Artistic Director and Choreographer Marc Brew. Marc blends art-forms to create ambitious, exciting work with collaboration at its heart.

Marc Brew - Choreographer & Performer

Acclaimed International disabled choreographer Marc Brew trained as a professional dancer at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and The Australian Ballet School. He has been working Internationally for over 24 years as a director, choreographer, dancer, teacher and speaker.  Marc was Associate Director with Scottish Dance Theatre, Associate Artist in 2015 at Tramway in Scotland, Artistic Director of AXIS Dance Company 2017-2021, is Associate Artist with Ballet Cymru in Wales and has been Artistic Director of his own Marc Brew Company since 2008. 

Hayley Earlam - Performer

Hayley is an award-winning Dance Artist working across performance, facilitation and creation. She trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance and works as a performer, facilitator, choreographer, movement director and artist for dance and theatre companies on national and international stages. Hayley’s interests lie within the body’s drive to move and our need to connect with others.

Performance Trailer:

Credits: Concept/Direction/Composer: Natalia Mallo | Choreography: Marc Brew and Gisele Calazans | Dancers: Marc Brew and Hayley Earlam | Lighting Design: Mirella Brand | Musicians: Natalia Mallo (guitar & vocals) Edward Cohen (pianist), Liam Chapman (drummer) | Video Editing/Projections: Luiz Cruz | Photographs: Marie Hippenmeyer and Susan Hay | Access Tour: Gisele Calazans, Marc Brew and Natalia Mallo | Creative Producer (UK) and Rehearsal Director: Susan Hay | Producers (Brazil): Paula Souza Lopez, Natalia Mallo and Gabi Gonçalves | Production Manager: Jools Wallace | Access Worker: Melanie Wilson | Music: Soundtrack includes excerpts from the songs "Realejo" by Suely Mesquita/Glauco Lourenço, and "Maybe" by K.D. Lang

Projections include images from the film "La Notte" by Michelangelo Antonioni.

Supported by: La Falconeria

Catarina & Tiago (Portugal)

FORGET ME NOT

Date: 25th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 10mins

Synopsis:

Taken on a journey where two performers delve into the recesses of the human mind and its connection to the body, immersing themselves in the intersection between remembering and forgetting, exploring the ephemerality of memory and the duality of consciousness. In this choreographic narrative, we explore the depths of the mind and the intrinsic connection between lucidity and identity, exposing the notion that without the mind, the body is merely a void. But in truth, what remains when memory fades? “Forget Me Not” is a work in progress, an emotional and subjective journey through the complexity of human consciousness, allowing space for the transience of our own thoughts and memories. It questions where we can find meaning and connection in a world where the mind can be lost.

About the Company:

Catarina Casqueiro & Tiago Coelho have been a contemporary dance duo since 2019, known for their unique and innovative approach. Over the past few years, they have presented their creations at prestigious festivals both in Portugal and abroad, receiving critical and public acclaim. Among their most notable appearances are the Quinzena de Dança de Almada (Lisbon, Portugal), Festival 10Sentidos (Valencia, Spain), the International Choreography Competition in Hanover (Germany), and Paralelo Fest (Ponta Delgada, Azores). They were awarded the Audience Prize at the SoloDuo Festival (Cologne,Germany). In 2022, they continued to solidify their artistic path by presenting Matiik on international stages such as the Jerusalem International Dance Competition (Israel) and the Daejeon New Dance International Festival (South Korea). Matomari No Nai, premiered at the SoloDuo Festival in Cologne, Germany, and has since toured internationally. The piece was performed at the 31st edition of the Quinzena de Dança de Almada (Portugal), the International Choreographic Competition Linkage (Bulgaria), where it won 3rd place and the Audience Prize, and the Straybirds Dance Platform (Taiwan), with another performance already scheduled for the 2024 MasDanza Festival (Spain). This creation also earned 1st place at the Prospettiva Danza Teatro International Prize Competition in Padova (Italy), further strengthening its international recognition. In 2024, Catarina and Tiago participated in the Teatri Riflessi festival in Sicily, winning seven awards, including 1st place, the Audience Award, and the Critics’ Prize. Their international tour continued with performances at the festival in Sibenik, Croatia, and the Festival Internacional de Danza Contemporánea de la Ciudad de México. Recently, they participated in the 29th edition of the MasDanza Festival (Spain), which granted them an invitation to join the Interplay Festival in Torino, scheduled for 2025.

Catarina Casqueiro - Choreographer & Performer

Graduated from the National Conservatory Dance School and began her career with a professional internship at the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company in Israel, supported by a Gulbenkian Foundation scholarship. She then joined the Portuguese company Vórtice, performing in Italy, Mexico, and Portugal. She has worked with independent choreographers René Vinther, Pedro Ramos, Nélia Pinheiro, Filipa Peraltinha, Gonçalo Lobato, and São Castro with António Cabrita. In 2023, at the invitation of Daniel Cardoso, she was one of the choreographers for the Quorum Project, debuting her piece Deep(in) at Teatro D. João V, and in 2024, she will be one of the choreographers for the junior company Kayzer Ballet, premiering her new piece Transformers.

Tiago Coelho - Choreographer & Performer

Graduated from the Escola Superior de Dança, he continued his training in Israel, Germany, and the USA. He has performed in productions by both national and international choreographers and dance companies, including Vortice Dance Company, Quorum Ballet, Teresa Ranieri, René Vinther Pedersen, Marco da Silva Ferreira, Fabio Simões, Patrícia Henriques, Victor Hugo Pontes, Pedro Ramos, Sofia Dias & Pedro Roriz, and Sylvia Rijmer. Recently, he worked with choreographer Damien Jalet on his creation Chiroptera, presented at the Galais Opera (Paris). He was a guest lecturer at the Escola Superior de Dança from 2021 to 2023, where he taught Contemporary Dance Technique.

Performance Trailer:

Credits:

Choreographed and Performed: Catarina Casqueiro & Tiago Coelho | Composer: Artur Guimarães | Light Design: Paulo Santos | Costumes: Atelier Prata | Video: Ana Rocha Nene | Music: "Serendipity March" by Artur Guimarães and The Caretaker

Supported by: EFFEA - European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists, European Festivals Association and Quinzena de Dança de Almada

Thomas Noone (Spain)

USURPER

Date: 25th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 15mins

Synopsis:

In 2019 Thomas Noone premiered “After the Party” a solo that combined puppetry and. Since then, Noone has been constantly discovering the infinite movement possibilities, and how delicate and subtle variation in manipulation can trigger surprising and beautiful responses from the audience. The solo Usurper was the second step down this road, born of the desire to continue investigating, and with the acquired knowledge, create a more abstract world. “An internal dialogue, examining who the alter ego that we address is, and how it interacts with our perception of ourself. A consideration or acknowledgement of ones flaws or the darker side of self, an illustration or portrait, an observation without judgement, and a journey to find equilibrium or even peace.” Usurper was created in residencies in Dance House Lefkosia and The Roxy, Ulm 

About the Company:

Thomas Noone Dance (TND) is a contemporary dance company based in Barcelona, founded in 2001 by choreographer Thomas Noone. Known for its dynamic and physical approach to dance, the company creates works that give form to movement, expression, and emotion. TND’s performances are marked by a deep connection to the body, with an emphasis on physicality, dynamism, and poetic expression. The company produces a wide range of performances, from theatre shows to outdoor events and site-specific works, often incorporating multiple art forms. Their work includes productions for diverse audiences, ranging from children to adults, and often explores themes of human connection, inclusivity, and the power of movement. TND has collaborated with leading cultural institutions in Barcelona, including the Grec Festival and Mercat de les Flors, and has toured internationally to destinations such as Europe, South America, South Korea, and Lebanon. The company’s works are often created in collaboration with other artists, and it is committed to promoting inclusive dance through partnerships with companies like Stopgap (UK) and Kyo-Muse (Japan). Thomas Noone Dance also plays a key role in local cultural life, with Noone serving as the artistic director of the Dansat! festival since 2006. 

Thomas Noone - Choreographer & Performer

Thomas Noone is a Barcelona-based choreographer known for his physical, gestural style. Founder of Thomas Noone Dance (TND) in 2001, his company has been resident at SAT! Teatre since 2005. Over 19 years, TND has premiered over 30 productions, collaborating with major institutions like the Grec Festival and Mercat de les Flors. The company tours widely across Europe, South Korea, Lebanon, and Latin America. As a guest choreographer, Noone has created works for Ballett Basel (CH), Norrdans (SE), Ballet du Rhin (FR), Münster Tanztheater (DE), and Ballet Nacional Chileno (BANCH), among others. He has also collaborated with inclusive dance companies Stopgap (UK) and Kyo-Muse (Japan). Since 2006, Noone has been Dance Program Advisor at SAT!, directing the Dansat! festival and initiatives supporting local talent, international collaborations, and inclusive dance. Awarded Barcelona’s Ciutat de Barcelona Dance Prize in 2011, he continues to teach, adjudicate, and tour works blending dance and puppetry. 

Performance Trailer:

Credits: Choreographer and Dancer: Thomas Noone | Choreographic Assistant: Alba Barral | Sculptor and Puppet Designer: André Mello | Composer: Jim Pinchen | Lighting Designer: Marc Lleixà | Production: Sara Esteller

Supported by: Embajada De España En Malta

Andrea Costanzo Martini (Italy/Israel)

LIFE IN LYCRA

Date: 25th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 10mins

Synopsis:

A short duel between a dancer and a choreographer. Both dressed in outrageously tight Lycra outfits two characters fight for the attention of the audience leaning on their own peculiar and quirky strengths and exposing how silly dance can become when taken too seriously. 

Andrea Costanzo Martini - Choreographer & Performer

Andrea Costanzo Martini, born and raised in Italy, trained at Danzicherie, Teatro Nuovo, and Heinz Bost Stiftung Ballet Academy. He has performed with esteemed companies such as Aalto-Theater, Cullberg Ballet, Batsheva Dance Company, and Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company. His choreographic research delves into the act of performance and its dynamic relationship with the audience, creating works that challenge conventional boundaries. His pieces have been showcased internationally at Curtain Up, Fabrik Potsdam, The Place London, and La Briqueterie. Recent works include PayPer Play (2021), Wild Thoughts (2022), and Life in Lycra (2023). Andrea’s accolades include first prize for choreography at the International Tanz Solo Competition Stuttgart, the Public Award at Mas Danza, and recognition as an “artist to watch” by TimeOut Tel Aviv. A dedicated teacher of Gaga and improvisation, he collaborates globally and is an associate artist of VAN Cultural Association.

Avigail Shafrir - Choreographer & Performer

Avigail Shafrir has studied ad the Ga’aton Sadna in Israel. She has danced with the Batsheva dance company and the Fresco dance company and is currently a freelance artist with the most prominent choreographers in Israel. She is also a Gaga teacher and Choreographer.

Performance Trailer:

Credits:

Choreography: Andrea Costanzo Martini | Performers: Avigail Shafrir, Andrea Costanzo Martini | Music: "Benvenuta Donna Mia" by Angelo Branduardi | Text: Andrea Costanzo Martini | Lights and concept of Costume Design: Andrea Costanzo Martini

Supported by: Istituto Italiano Di Cultura La Valletta

Ching-Ying Chien (Taiwan)

VULTURE

Date: 25th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 15mins

Synopsis:

Initial inspiration for this piece came from an old Tibetan myth about vultures. It is said that nobody ever sees the body of a deceased vulture. When a vulture knows that its life is close to ending it will fly high up towards the sun and melt away into nothing. It ties in a little with the Greek myth of Icarus and Daedalus. Man imitating nature and failing. The vast sky of freedom motivates Icarus to soar high till his wings melted, and causes his downfall. Both characters are approaching the sun. The vulture is controlling the end of its own life, while the man losing life for the craving of freedom. Chien also gained inspiration from her life. Witnessing the death of her family member or friend, she learns the uncontrollable nature of human life, and exclaims man's various limitations. As a dancer, she can break free from the human frame and willfully transforms herself. On the stage she is at times animal and at times human. By interpreting the possibility, impossibility, madness and control of a free spirit inside a human body, she explores the limitation and freedom of life. 

Ching-Ying Chien - Choreographer and Performer

Taiwanese freelance dance artist who based in London. Beside choreography for her own creations. She also a collaborator with other artists in different art forms. She has worked with Akram Khan Company since 2013 until now. Her performance in “Until the Lions” won the Outstanding Female Performance (Modern) at the 2016 National Dance Awards (UK). She is also as a Akram Khan Company rehearsal director and company repertoire workshop teacher. In 2020. She started working with James Thierrée -Compagnie de Hanneton in creation “Mo’s” and “ROOM”.   Her solo choreography piece “Vulture” made in 2018 has performed in Europe and Taiwan. It also been selected as one of twenty pieces in Aerowaves 2023.  In 2024, she choreography duet work “Penrose” for English National ballet-“Emerging dancers 2024”.Her latest duet work “Adam & Eve” co-create with world famous breaking dancer Issues park and it has presented in Taiwan Dance platform 2024.

Sounik Datta - Musician

Winner of the Aga Khan Music Award, Soumik Datta is a visionary musician with the ability to cross boundaries and cultures. A sarod (Indian lute) virtuoso, composer and TV presenter, his work embraces traditional and contemporary art forms to address urgent issues of our times. Soumik was Artist in Residence with Philharmonia Orchestra and is a Southbank Centre Studio Artist where he developed new commissions for BBC Singers, BBC 4 and British Council. In 2021 his award winning climate film ‘Songs of The Earth’ was presented at COP26. In 2025 Trinity Laban conservatoire awarded Soumik the status of Honorary Fellow.  Soumik’s work with Alzheimer’s Society and soundscape technology has been described as “An immersive disquisition into memory” (The Scotsman). Through collaborations and partnerships, Soumik continues to redefine the boundaries of Indian music using interdisciplinary art to create moving performances “Rooted in the past and the future” (Stir World).

Performance Trailer:

Credits: Choreography and Performance: Ching-Ying Chien | Sarod & Music Composition: Soumik Datta | Costume Design: Marie Cantenys 

The development of Vulture’s first version (30 mins) was produced by: Akram Khan Company as part of their Portraits in Otherness initiative, and premiered on 7 June 2018 at Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, UK. The full version of Vulture (43 mins) was commissioned by: National Performing Arts Center – National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying), Taiwan. Sponsored by the National Culture and Arts Foundation, Taiwan. Made possible by a grant from the Lo Man-Fei Dance Fund, Cloud Gate Culture and Arts Foundation, Taiwan. 

Conversations with the Artists

With Dr Paula Guzzanti

Date: 25th July | Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta | Duration: 45mins

CONVERSATION WITH ALL ARTISTS ATTENDING the Q & R Session

About The Mediator:

Dr Paula Guzzanti is a dance artist, scholar, somatic movement practitioner, and tango dancer and teacher. She specialises in artistic and embodied research practices. In her research, Paula explores the role of the sensorial body in fostering responsible decision-making when designing urban landscapes that connect us to the natural environment. She is particularly interested in developing methodologies to deepen our interaction with the world, including the use of digital technologies to document sensory connections to places. She began her dance training in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and later continued in Ireland, where she earned a practice-based PhD in Dance Improvisation and Collaborative Performance Making at Queen’s University Belfast. She now resides in Malta, where she is the Head of the Dance Studies Department at the University of Malta.

IMPORTANT

The programme for Dance Festival Malta Day 2 (B & C) occurs in two different venues for which two separate tickets need to be purchased.

Dance Festival Malta is sponsored by: APS Bank, GSD Marketing Ltd. & Visit Malta