The US Premiere of Dimitris Papaioannou's The Great Tamer

Greek experimental theater maker, choreographer and visual arts genius Dimitris Papaioannou first grabbed the world's attention with his groundbreaking work as the creative director of the 2004 Athens Olympic Opening Ceremony. The dance visionary showcases a breathtaking marriage of Greek classic literature and visual arts in the US premiere of The Great Tamer, a poignant examination of life, death and the mysteries in between, as well as identity and its relationship with the past.

Papaioannou challenges eleven performers to find balance and projection points on an inflated stage going through constant deconstruction, swelling and absorption as their movements explore the words of Homer and art of old masters like Raphael, Rembrandt, Botticelli, Magritte and El Greco. Their relentless quest for grace and beauty teems with breathtaking physicality, stagecraft and sleight of hand feats that blend seamlessly with fluid movements and recognisable figures from the world of the circus like the clown and the acrobat.