Still life at the penguin cafe

Question 1

Choreographer

Answer 1

David Bintley

Question 2

Company

Answer 2

Birmingham Royal Ballet and The Royal Ballet

Question 3

First Performance

Answer 3

March 1988 (The Royal Ballet)

Question 4

Theme

Answer 4

Endangered species

Question 5

Choreographic Style

Answer 5

Episodic. Combines a range of styles and cultural influences to tackle a political theme. Theatrical, using characterisation and humour to good effect.

Question 6

Starting point

Answer 6

The music and the album cover. The Doomsday Book of Animals by David Day

Question 7

Dancers

Answer 7

Nine soloists plus corps de ballet

Question 8

Costume designer and set designer

Answer 8

Hayden Griffin

Question 9

Lighting designer

Answer 9

John Read

Question 10

Composer

Answer 10

Compossed by Simon Jeffes for the Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Question 11

Costume

Answer 11

Combine animal and human characteristics in a dream-like way. Masks and headdresses have animal features have animal features such as curly horns and antennae. Costumes and accessories have cultural and social references.

Question 12

Set

Answer 12

Set in a cafe with chairs and tables. After the open scene the rest of the dances take place on a bare stage. Ever-changing colourful backdrops give a sense of environment, climate and scale.

Question 13

Lighting

Answer 13

Lighting indicates beginnings and ends of acts. Follow-spots highlight the dancers. Colour is used to enhance the mood. Bright in the first half and dramatic towards the end.

Question 14

Accompaniment

Answer 14

Re-orchestrated for the Royal Opera House/Birmingham Royal Ballet orchestras. Orchestra, combining classical, rock and country influences.