In July 2009, Labayendance/SF premiered Enrico Labayen’s “Carmina Burana: Revisited”, a work inspired by a Philippine matriarchal ritual called “tadtarin” (Tagalog, lit. chopped/minced) and set to Carl Orff’s iconic score Carmina Burana.
Carmina Burana was composed by Carl Orff in 1935 and 1936. It is based on 24 of the poems found in the medieval collection Carmina Burana (from Latin, means “Songs of Beuem). This collection was mostly written in 11th and 12th century, found in 1803 from a monastery.
Excerpt from some reviews from the show:
From Catherine Pawlick of CityDance: “In all, the troupe’s warmth and emotion were palpable from stage to audience. That Labayan has put considerable time and thought into this production is readily apparent. Feminine strength is highlighted here,
and what better vehicle for it than generous, truthful movement that expresses the range of gifts on offer from the fair gender. “Carmina” is powerful, gritty, and inspirational, a true gift to Bay Area audiences.”
From Stark Silver Creek: “But by far the real highlight of the performance was the lead dancer for the piece, Brazilian-born Daiane Lopes. Her movements were powerfully dramatic but controlled and crisp, her lines were evocative and well-suited to the music,
and her eye contact and facial expressions were intensely dramatic, engaging, and powerfully evocative. Her various solos were real tours de force, especially “Circa Mea Pectora”. ”
From SF Bay Guardian: “The women’s physical stamina was as impressive as their contagious energy. They moved through everything from extremely fast-paced jumps and leaps to slower, more lyrical, classical ballet poses with zest and playful charisma. Nothing seemed too difficult or too grand. Incorporating classical ballet, folkloric dance forms, and more sensual modern movement, Labayen’s elegant and exciting choreography emphasized the women’s versatile strength, but it was the all-female cast of badass dancers that not only brought Carmina Burana to life, but ultimately brought the admiring audience — screaming and stomping — to their feet.”
For more photos of the event, see the Facebook Album.