C(h)oeurs

Alain Platel's artistically and politically provocative new work—the title refers to both choruses (choeurs) and human hearts (coeurs)—showcases the chorus of Madrid's Teatro Real as well as members of his own dance troupe, “les ballets C de la B,” while also making a statement about the inequities in the contemporary economic system that have spurred popular street protests worldwide. For the music, Platel has strung together choruses and orchestral interludes from operas by Verdi and Wagner that, he believes, express the yearning for freedom during the mid-19th century and continue to do so today. Against that aural background (which includes occasional verbal interruptions that sound like tidbits of existential philosophy), Platel situates 10 dancers who initially appear as stiff-limbed mannequins—their mouths stuffed with cloth—but gradually liberate themselves from invisible shackles as they adopt more limber poses, spit out their gags, and shed their garments. Meanwhile the choristers mill about and act as pallbearers for two young boys who apparently represent the next generation of slaves to an unjust and oppressive system. The combination of highly mannered (often deliberately grotesque) choreography, a politically charged message, and abundant nudity makes C(h)oeurs—despite the beautiful music—a challenging work. But students of modern dance may find it intriguing. Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray version) and LPCM stereo, extras include a behind-the scenes featurette. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)