Theatre News

Hofesh Shechter guest directs 2014 Brighton Festival

Shechter’s programme, which runs from 3 to 25 May, is described as “genre-defying”

Hofesh Shechter
Hofesh Shechter

Brighton Festival has launched its 2014 programme, which is guest directed this year by Israeli-born choreographer Hofesh Shechter and features 147 events in 34 venues across the city.

Running from 3 to 25 May 2014 there will be 37 premieres, exclusives and co-commissions and 26 free events.

Shechter's programme, described as "genre-defying", includes Opus No.7 from Russian theatre director Dmitry Krymov, Nowhere and Everywhere at the Same Time No.2 by American choreographer William Forsythe, and a new co-commission by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare titled The British Library.

Shechter's own production Sun, billed as "a visceral depiction of antagonism and violence", will run in the Brighton Dome Concert Hall on 3 and 4 May. There will also be a new work from Belgian choreographer Wim Vandekeybus, and the world premiere of Tomorrow from returnee theatre company Vanishing Point, about "growing old, dementia, needing care and needing to care".

The music programme meanwhile features contemporary artists including Cat Power and Emmylou Harris.

"Brighton has a magic to it that no one can explain," Shechter said. "Finding a place where one can develop and grow artistically is a delicate thing, an important thing. Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival have been an inspiring, energising and encouraging place for my company and me in the last five years."

Andrew Comben, chief executive of Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival, responded: "Hofesh’s instinctive understanding of Brighton and our Festival means it is particularly pertinent that he steps into the role in 2014 following a highly successful five years of working together."

Brighton Festival 2014 kicks off with the annual Children’s Parade on 3 May. For more information visit brightonfestival.org.