The Holy Body Tattoo'

The Holy Body Tattoo' is an award winning Canadian contemporary dance troupe based in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was formed in 1993 by co-artistic directors and choreographers Noam Gagnon and Dava Gingras who had previously been performing since 1987. They have performed together throughout Canada, Europe, Asia and the United States and have received international acclaim. Their works often comment on modern life through repetitive and strenuous physical movements that push performers to the point of exhaustion.This technique is based on the idea that the secrets locked within the body will be revealed when pushed to its limits. Performances have included collaborations with musical, visual and literary artists including author William Gibson, UK bands 'Tindersticks' and 'The Tiger Lilies', visual artist Jenny Holzer and musician Jean Yves Theriault. Their repertoire includes the works 'White Riot' and 'Poetry and Apocalypse' (1994); 'Our Brief Eternity' (1996); 'Circa' (2000); 'Running Wild' (2004) and 'Monumental' (2005). 'Poetry and Apocalypse' was adapted intoa film in 1997 by William Morrison. This video includes an entire performance of 'Circa' which is a tango influenced pas de deux. The company describes 'Circa' as 'A celebration of the sensual forces of submission and control'. The show features original music by 'The Tiger Lilies' (Steve Severin, formerly of 'Siouxsie and the Banshees' and Warren Ellis of 'The Dirty Three'). Anyone wishing to view this item should contact Manchester Archives and Local Studies in advance of visiting by telephoning 0161 234 1980 or emailing archiveslocalstudies@manchester.gov.uk. The VHS copy is held as part of The Theatre Collection, Department of Drama, University of Bristol, Cantocks Close, Bristol BS8 1UP (telephone 0117 3315086 or visit www.bristol.ac.uk/theatrecollection).

Related Material:See also M800/3/5/5/2/6

Running Length:1 hour

Format:VHS PAL

Artist:Noam Gagnon; Dava Gingras

Location:Canada