From May 23 to June 7, Montrealers will be able to appreciate and savour the creative flair of artists from a dozen countries in the 25 dance and theatre shows selected by artistic director Martin Faucher, including 9 works co-produced by the FTA, 9 new pieces and 9 North American premières, all of it presented in 17 different venues.

With some artists returning to Montreal to enchant festivalgoers, others will be coming to the FTA for the very first time. From the opening show, an exciting discovery awaits Festival audiences with 6 & 9 by Tao Ye, an iconic figure in contemporary dance in China. In the days to follow, artists from other countries will be performing for the first time in Montreal: Greek choreographer and performer Euripides Laskaridis (Titans, an international FTA co-production), the Belgian artist Sarah Vanhee (Oblivion), the Swedish choreographer Jefta van Dinther (Dark Field Analysis), the Iranian-French performer Gurshad Shaheman (Pourama pourama), and the Icelandic artists Valdimar Jóhannsson and Erna Ómarsdóttir, collaborating with the American visual artist Matthew Barney (the film Union of the North). The Brazilian director Rodrigo Portella’s vigorous play (Tom na Fazenda) is an adaptation of the Michel Marc Bouchard masterpiece Tom at the Farm.

As for returning artists, many festivalgoers are champing at the bit, eager to renew contact with the spectacular work of director Ivo van Hove and the actors from the Toneelgroep Amsterdam, who will be presenting his new Shakespearean trilogy (Kings of War). Another returnee is the dazzling choreographer Crystal Pite and a new piece with her accomplice Jonathon Young (Betroffenheit, closing performance). Also back are two renowned choreographers on the contemporary international scene, Meg Stuart (Until Our Hearts Stop) and the South African Robyn Orlin (And So You See…), not to mention the Mexican writer and director Gabino Rodríguez (Tijuana) and the remarkable French theatre artist Philippe Quesne. The latter will be arriving in Montreal with seven giant moles and two shows (La nuit des taupes and La parade des taupes, an idiosyncratic stroll through public spaces).

As always, Quebec artists have pride of place at the FTA. Pioneering veterans, the choreographers Paul-André Fortier (Solo 70), Benoît Lachambre (Fluid Grounds, co-created with Sophie Corriveau) and Daniel Léveillé (Sadness Quartet), as well as the dynamic theatre artists Evelyne de la Chenelière and Marie Brassard (La vie utile), will present their most recent works. Other Quebec artists will also be featured at FTA 2018: Jean-Sébastien Lourdais (Bleu), J-F Nadeau and Stéfan Boucher (Nos ghettos), and Anne Thériault (Récital, presented at St. James United Church). The Canadian choreographer of Cree and Ojibwe heritage Lara Kramer will present two new works: the exhibit Phantom Stills & Vibrations and the performance piece Windigo. The Festival also includes Non finito by Système Kangourou and Autour du Lactume by Réjean Ducharme and Martin Faucher.

Welcome to FTA 2018!

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