Hofesh has no time to spare. His troupe has no time to relax either, so the troupe has only taken a tour of the old city. Rehearsals are taking a chunk of their time. In UK, Hofesh Shechter Company (HSC) needs no introduction; he is one of the most exciting artists recognised as both a choreographer and composer who set up his international touring company in 2008.
After years of practise Hofesh formally designed the piece Political Mother in 2007 and has since been performing it all over the world. “In 2008, I formed Hofesh Shechter Company and began touring globally to critical and popular acclaim. But each time we perform it is with a new energy altogether,” he says. So, who does his dance troupe cater to? As a work of art, Hofesh says it isn’t directed at any particular age group or people. “It has something for everyone. A lot is to be taken back from the performance and that understanding or learning will be unique to each individual,” he explains.
Political Mother brims with HSC’s emotional and gritty complexity with pulsating live music, extraordinary ensemble sequences and cinematic editing. It is performed by 10 dancers and accompanied by Shechter’s cinematic score featuring a band of live drummers and electric guitarists. It is suitable for all lovers of dance, theatre and live music. Hofesh, a self taught dancer, also creates his own music and the 70-minute performance by the group depicts various emotions through a combination of body language, movements and costumes. The costumes are designed to depict moods and various characters all simultaneously.
“It is intense and while it shows a lot of energy, some of the characters depict the shell they live in and the fight to get out of it. My productions are not meant to teach or send one single message to the audience,” he explains.
Was choosing art as a mainstream career an easy option for Hofesh? “It is a mix. Because the resistance was of a different kind.” Elaborating on how he grew to be a dancer with a musical side he says, “I was six years when I learned the piano; that’s how I developed my interest in music. After I grew up, I learnt the percussion and that helped me put my music together. Knowledge about music helps me decide what I want in my production.” Hofesh says dance helped him channelise his thoughts and though he dances on stage, “I am still the shy guy.”
Back from Sydney after performing a different production, the troupe is busy getting its old act in place. The challenge is, it involves live music and a large number of dancers. Hofesh Shechter Company will perform today at Shilpakala Vedika as part of The British Council’s Impulse 2, the new season of the best of contemporary dance from the UK. Entry to the event is free.
