KEY POINTS:
French choreographer Angelin Preljocaj challenges the level of useful life left in Vivaldi's famous, commercialised-almost-to-death suite in Les 4 Saisons, which opens tonight at the Aotea Centre.
With a background in classical ballet, Preljocaj has also studied modern dance with Karin Waehner and Merce Cunningham, and Noh theatre in Japan.
Ballet Preljocaj (say "Preh-zho-cazh") dancers are an eclectic mix, chosen for their individuality rather than poetic ballet refinement.
After a series of serious works exploring the dark side of human existence (animal-like passion, anger and even child murder, for example), Preljocaj chose Vivaldi's optimistic and lively music for a chance to work at a joyful and playful pace through the work's four themes of "bursting forth, exaltation, suspension and vibration".
Collaboration with French sculptor Fabrice Hyber, renowned for his eclectic creativity, ensures that this expression of The Four Seasons looks like no other.
Hyber created the concept of "chaosgraphy" to ensure the work is as inexplicably changeable as the weather with a bombardment of "POFs" - prototypes of objects of function - to confuse, enthuse and add zest to the choreography.
Stools are attached to dancers' bodies, spongy potato-like forms fall from the skies, and an oversized hedgehog lurks about the stage.
* Les 4 Saisons, Aotea Centre, Mar 14-17, 7.30pm; Mar 18, 5.30pm.
