REVIEWS:
Anaïs Nin: Unbound
(formerly Anaïs, A Dance Opera)
"While words form the backbone or basic structure for the piece, "Anaïs: A Dance Opera" is at its heart a work of dancing and dancers, executed with great care and respect for its subject. There are no show-off high notes for the singer, and no high-kicking finales for the dancers. Instead we, as audience, are given the deeper role of experiencing an emotional extrapolation on the subject of one author's life."
- James H. Carlin, Santa Monica Observed (full review)
“Elegant and unique”
“Employing edgy music and thoughtful compositions, complemented by Roston’s dreamy, lyrical and passionate choreography, Shapiro acknowledges Nin as an important literary figure.”
- Pauline Adamek, artsbeatla.com (full review)
“Sensuous, compelling and thought provoking”
- Christine Gallagher, Huffington Post (full review)
"The music to Anais, A Dance Opera is simply stunning and complex. It matches the intricacy and multi-dimensional layering of Anais Nin’s inner and outer life."
- writer Sheryl Aaronson (full review)
“Roston and Shapiro’s hybrid theatrical is a smashing show for the ensemble and the stars. ..Shapiro’s very good music, in a variety of styles, is a set of nine pieces that tell Nin’s story chronologically, along with digressions into the “interior cities.” Roston’s choreography is a thrilling interplay of principals and ensemble”
RECOMMENDED - Stage Raw (full review)
"Putting a whole life onstage is a nearly impossible challenge: There’s so much to tell, and so little time. Anaïs takes us into an incredibly complex life, and does it more effectively — and poetically — than any theatrical biography I can recall."
- theatreghost.com (full review)
"Wow-wow-wow! Totally Amazing."
“The choreography by Janet Roston was both brilliant and daring.”
- Suzanne Birrell, Discover Hollywood (full review)
"...seamless marriage of all the elements presented: the lyrics, visuals, choreography, performances and music... a wonderful tribute."
- Jeff Slayton, SeeDance.com (full review)
"What a terrific production! Choreography and music are brilliantly paired. The ensemble is excellent and the costumes are most impressive. Marisa Matthews (Eternal Anaïs, Vocalist) is exceptional! It's worth the price of admission to hear her. It is one of our FEATURED events. GO!"
- Performing Arts Live (full review)
INTERNATIONAL REVIEWS:
2018 Paris/Casablanca Tour:
“The performance was beautifully staged and executed. The talent of the performers "formidable," particularly the singer and lead dancer. Catch it if you can!”
- Adrian Leeds, Parler Paris, AdrianLeeds.com
“This is a beautiful show that made fantastic use of our theater, it was a perfect fit. The dancing and vocals were sublime. Our audience loved it.”
- Adrian Pierini, Artistic Director, La Nouvelle Eve
“I saw this production at the Avignon Festival last July ’17. The story was compelling, the dance, vocals and visuals breathtaking and with theatricality combined in a new and unique way. I knew I had to bring it Casablanca. The audience response proved me right, it was the hit of the International Theatre Festival.”
- Noureddine Ayouch, President, La Fondation des Arts Vivants
“Women, Love, and Sexual Identity. These were a themes of the masterpiece “Anaïs, A Dance Opera,” directed by Janet Roston, which opened the International Theatre Festival in Casablanca. This production, a melange of music, dance and theater was beautiful, intelligent and thought provoking.”
- Aujourd’hui Le Maroc
2017 Festival OFF D'Avignon:
“This is an American show, the quality is outstanding. The artists are multidisciplinary and not a single misstep spoils the production. Besides discovering or rediscovering Anaïs Nin, a feminist before her time, the audience will get great pleasure in the quality, beauty and brimming enthusiasm at the heart of this stunning show.”
- boiteaculture.com
“The Festival Off of Avignon reveals each year a special production that stands out for its immense creativity. The energy and amazing dynamics of the dancers, the gorgeous voice of the singer, the beautiful projections and the music take the audience in to a dreamlike universe. A large “Bravo” for the radiant music of Cindy Shapiro and the sparkling choreography of Janet Roston. Is is one of the strongest productions of the Festival Off 2017.”
- MPA Communications
“Amazing..strong, intelligent and inventive..resonates strongly. A vibrant and bold portrait of Anaïs Nin, a “woman in the world of men,” female pioneer, and writer of erotic books who dared to lift the veil on the mysteries of female desire.
- Festi.tv
This production succeeds extremely well through a series of tableaux vividly representing her life in phrases, in moments. Nothing is forgotten, props, lights, music, dance, text, all with precision and a well-constructed story. Bravo to composer Cindy Shapiro, to choreographer Janet Roston and projection designer Joe LaRue. A marvelous moment that we could very well see again in Europe in the near future.
- revue-spectacles.com
This show is large in all ways, style, scope and quality. The American troupe from Los Angeles of six dancers and a singer are all excellent. The challenge? To present in dance and projections the tormented life of Anaïs Nin. This bold challenge was met by Janet Roston, contemporary choreographer, and Cindy Shapiro who wrote the music and lyrics. Their well developed work was a success at the Festival Off d’Avignon. At the performance I attended the hall was full and the audience embraced the production with enthusiasm.
- regarts.org
ADDITIONAL REVIEWS:
Huffington Post (full review)
LA Weekly (full review)
Santa Monica Observer (full review)
Hollywood 360 (full review)
LISTINGS & ARTICLES:
"The Los Angeles Dance Scene. Yes, There Is One." The New York Times
‘Dance Opera’ celebrates the eternally provocative Anaïs Nin - Jewish Journal
Do LA - "Janet Roston and Cindy Shapiro present Anaïs, a Dance Opera"
Eventful - Anaïs, A Dance Opera in Los Angeles
