It may sound like a National Geographic feature program but the U.S. premiere of Killer Pig actually presents a hypnotic, sensual look at femininity while Love is a testimony to the ensemble’s strength in handling complex and layered choreographic material. The combination of Eyal’s unconventional choreography and Carte Blanche’s distinguished technical abilities delivers performances of artistic intensity, described as “top notch of imaginative, precise, and powerful dance art” (Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, Austria.)

“Carte Blanche is a stunning company, they have it all: superb dancers and powerful and smart choreography by one of the important choreographers of the new generation, Sharon Eyal. This company will be talked about and they promise to make a big impression in the dance world.” – Ella Baff, Artistic Director of Jacob’s Pillow

Carte Blanche, established in 1989, is a contemporary ensemble comprised of a wealth of international talent. The company’s 14 dancers are classically trained while also possessing versatility in experimental modern forms. Based in Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, they regularly work with some of the world’s most celebrated Norwegian and international choreographers. As a company renowned for its powerful stage presence and eclectic repertoire, they often commission work by emerging contemporary choreographers. Artistic Director Bruno Heynderickx strives to position the company at the forefront of the creation and advancement of contemporary dance both in Norway and abroad. While members of Carte Blanche performed as part of Houston’s Dance Salad Festival in 2009, this six-performance Jacob’s Pillow engagement marks the U.S. debut of the full company.

Norway's Guro Nagelhus Schia of Carte Blanche in Killer Pig; photos by Erik Berg

The U.S. premiere of Killer Pig, commissioned by Carte Blanche for six female dancers in their company, is a convergence of sensuality and physical prowess. Dressed in white, quilted two-piece costumes, the dancers combine extreme balletic technique with uncanny flexibility and mysteriously stripped down performance qualities. Sharon Eyal is often lauded for her work with female dancers; dance critic Gaby Aldor comments, “the clarity of movement in Eyal’s dances is such that feminine splendor becomes magnificence greater than life, worthy of goddesses. Her approach is a fresh reminder of an alternative femininity, maybe similar to that of Madonna who fearlessly re-invents herself every day.”

Carte Blanche and Eyal’s collaboration is highly anticipated after recent performances in Finland and Norway. One article described a recent show: “Standing ovations for 15 minutes and sold out [houses]. Carte Blanche’s performance of Killer Pig…thrilled the Germans tremendously” (Nordwest Zeitung, Germany).

Sharon Eyal has been House Choreographer for Batsheva Dance Company since 2005. Born in Israel in 1971, she danced with the Batsheva Dance Company from 1990 until 2008. From September 2003 to December 2004 she served as Batsheva’s Associate Artistic Director, under Ohad Naharin. As a choreographer Eyal is known for her rare and personal movement language that often incorporates sensuality; she has been called “a worthy heiress to the renowned Naharin” (Arts de la scéne). Her creations for Batsheva Dance Company and the Batsheva Ensemble include You Got to Live, Pan (2001), Ink (2002), Static (2002), After Love (2003), Love (2003), Quiet Village (2004), Part II (2005), Bertolina (2006) and Makarova Kabisa (2008). She has received numerous honors, including the Ministry of Culture Award for young dance creators, and in 2008 she was named a Chosen Artist of the Israel Cultural Excellence Foundation.

A PillowTalk will be held on Saturday, July 2 at 4pm to explore the collaboration between Norway’s Carte Blanche, their Belgian Director Bruno Heynderickx, and Israeli choreographer Sharon Eyal, an example of the ever-increasing internationalism in dance today. PillowTalks are free and open to the public, and offer interaction with artists and experts in the field with in-depth discussions, moderated interviews, film screenings, and book signings. See a full list of the week’s free events below.

Performance and Ticket Information

Ted Shawn Theatre
Wednesday, June 29 through Saturday, July 2 at 8pm with matinees on Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3 at 2pm
Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob’s Pillow Scholars-in-Residence are offered in Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before every performance. Tickets $43.50-64.50. Now on sale online at jacobspillow.org, via phone at 413.243.0745 or in person at the Jacob’s Pillow Box Office.

Under 35 Fridays: As part of the Pillow’s younger audiences initiative: $35 under 35 tickets (for individuals 35 and younger) are available for the Friday evening performance of Carte Blanche. Limit two (2) per person, must show valid I.D. when tickets are picked up. Under 35 ticket holders will also receive a bonus gift from Under 35 Fridays sponsor Blue Q.

Box Office hours
June 20-August 31: Monday and Tuesday 10am-6pm, Wednesday through Saturday 10am-8pm, and Sunday 12pm-5:30pm.
Pillow Members receive exclusive benefits. To become a Member call 413.243.9919 x125.

Jacob’s Pillow is located at 358 George Carter Road in Becket, MA, 01223 (10 minutes east on Route 20 from Mass Pike Exit 2). The Jacob’s Pillow campus and theaters are handicapped-accessible.

Free Events at the Pillow June 29-July 2

Free Inside/Out Performance – Joanna Kotze
Marcia & Seymour Simon Performance Space
Wednesday, June 29, 6:15pm
ONE/4, a dance in four sections, morphs from formal precise movement to malleable, elastic phrases, and the duet Between You and Me juxtaposes solitude and camaraderie.

Free PillowTalk Discussion – Creating the Comfort Zone
Thursday, June 30, 5pm
Choreographer Jane Comfort created her contemporary classic Underground River at the Pillow, and this season presents another new work entitled Beauty. The creative process of each of these two works is examined and juxtaposed with the other, in a discussion with dramaturg Anne Davison.

Free Inside/Out Performance – Adam Barruch Dance
Marcia & Seymour Simon Performance Space
Thursday, June 30, 6:15pm
Presenting highly physical and witty dance theatre works, Barruch, an alumnus of The School at Jacob’s Pillow, performs The Worst Pies in London set to the opening song of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Free Inside/Out Performance – Terra Firma Dance Theatre
Marcia & Seymour Simon Performance Space
Friday, July 1, 6:15pm
Artistic Director Stuart Loungway’s Chamber uses flowing, graceful movement to illustrate intimacy between dancers, and presents a new, exuberant, contemporary rock ballet.

Free PillowTalk Discussion – The Belgian Norwegian Israeli Connection
Saturday, July 2, 4pm
Norway’s Carte Blanche is directed by Belgian Bruno Heynderickx, who has selected the work of Israeli choreographer Sharon Eyal for this company’s rare U.S. appearance. This head-spinning conglomeration of national origins provides the starting point for a discussion of the ever-increasing internationalism in dance today.