The BOP Jazz Theatre Company presented this one-night-only event exploring the possibilities of dance and music through the merging of tradition and contemporary. Guillermo Nazara shares his thoughts on the festival, to gives all the details about production introducing some of the mos promising new talent in the genre.
“What is jazz?”, a simple question to unravel a not-so-easy answer. Lights fade amidst the awe of an overexcited audience – their emotions running free in a house that awaits to see this one-night-only show with eager anticipation. “What is jazz?”, we hear again, as this warm, almost ethereal voice emerges in a place (the place!) that’s now covered in complete darkness. As spotlight fades in as a gentle melody shyly begins to come around. Subtle movements initiate what’s soon to become a powerful deluge of choreographic frenzy. What is jazz?… One more time, we have been asked. And yet, there’s much to find out before.
In what’s been a delightful celebration of cultures and art forms merging both their knowledge and spirits. Presented by the BOP Jazz Theatre, UK’s leading company in the genre, the festival has served as far more than an gripping, sometimes heartening homage to their craftsmanship. It’s also been an inspiring exhibit of creative and performing talent. Much of it new. But definitely, long-standing.
Some are guided by their technique. Some others are yet to find it. And only a distinctive few allow their instincts to take over. But the result spells the same word: PASSION. The care and determination that’s been put into every rendition is beyond infectious. From calm folkloric tributes to feverish stage-spinning madness, Jazz Arts Rewired commemorates the many styles and branches of its own brand, by sometimes also pushing a few steps forward to develop something innovative and, ultimately, reminiscent of its true essence.
Perfection was not a guest on that night. And we can only be grateful that this was the case. Because something else was honoured instead: diligence, sincerity and, above all, outspoken artistry. Genuine wonders often come unpolished. Because it’s that natural gleam that lights the spark within us. Of course, there’s still a path for many of them to walk through until they reach to the top. But one thing is for sure, their journey is only on the way up.
Jazz Arts Rewired was performed at The Place London last 3 June. More information about BOP’s upcoming productions is available on the following link.