The idea of the project HAPPY in choreography of Nigel Charnock (with 9 Polish dancers) was created thanks to intensive rehearsal during the improvisation project for young Polish choreographers that took place in Old Brewery in Poznań in March 2008. HAPPY was created in the context not quite real, more "Imaginable Polish country" by Charnock. Thanks to that, the place is defined more generally - suspended between folk and a "contemporary image" where it's easier to get the clear pictures and stereotyped behaviours and it can be every place - not only Polish - the symbolic place.  The spectacle takes the inspiration from the reality and from the contrast between yesterday and today. From that anytomia Polish dancers take the inspirations and they give a usual style to the Charnock's arrangements. There is energy on the stage, the energy that was awake by the choreographer but created by the dancers. The way of expressions...the way their body can show Polish theme during the dance is the best certificate what nowadays the theme can mean for us. During the spectacle we can listen to Polish (but not only) folk music and modern - folk what give colour and energy to the performance. Nine young dancers make suggestive pictures where we can notice recognizable Charnock's expressions. 

I recommend this spectacle to everybody who likes strong action used in the theatre (...) I recommend it to everybody who would like to see the group of dancers where every dancer is individual and independent in creating the character. I recommend it to everybody who like when dancer or actor balances at the edge of natural shame, his/her intimacy, good taste, psychical and physical safety - but without crossing the line

 (Anna Koczorowska / nowytaniec.pl)

Idea/choreography: Nigel Charnock

Sound director: Ewa Garniec

Sound: Łukasz Kędzierski

Dancers: Basia Bujakowska, Natalia Draganik, Bartek Figurski, Maciej Kuźmiński, Janusz Orlik, Renata Piotrowska, Ania Steller, Aleksandra Ścibor, Karol Tymiński

Production/touring: Joanna Leśnierowska / Art Stations Foundation

Co-production: Instytut Adama Mickiewicza / Happyproject - A part of Polska! Year 2009-2010

THE PROJECT WAS ENROLLED TO THE OFFICIAL PROGRAMME OF POLISH CULTURE YEAR IN GREAT BRITAIN http://www.polskayear.pl/ AND IT HAS POLISH PREMIERE 7 AND 8 APRIL ON THE WELL-KNOWN DANCE STAGE OF LONDON - THE PLACE

www.happyproject.pl / www.starybrowarnowytaniec.pl