KIBBUTZ CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY Choreography, Design & Lighting - Rami Be'er Music - Collage/Alex Claude Costumes Production - Lilah Habani/Efrat Roded

From an interview with Rami Be'er: As someone who belongs to a family of Holocaust survivors, I chose to deal with a subject that has occupied my mind for many years: "The influence of memory of the Holocaust on our lives." "Aide Memoire" is not about the Holocaust nor does it describe the Holocaust. It deals with matters relating to present life and reality through emotional and cognitive associations. Personal and collective memories which are always found deep in our consciousness serve as a background theme for the choreography. This internationally renowned company of 30 will tour their acclaimed production during October and November 1997 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. THE KIBBUTZ DANCE COMPANY The KIBBUTZ DANCE COMPANY, which started as a small group of enthusiasts in the early 1970's, is unique amongst modern dance groups both in Israel and abroad. Although based in Kibbutz Ga'aton near the Lebanese border, its members come from settlements from all over the country. The dancers rehearse five days a week at the Ga'aton studio, but at weekends return home to work on their various kibbutzim. The Company performs in large and small towns and regional centers throughout Israel to audiences of all ages: and was the pioneer in introducing children to the magic world of modern dance with its special programme for schools. Its wide adult repertoire includes works by both local and foreign choreographers, and the Company's policy of encouraging new talents in this field has given many an aspiring youngster their first opportunity to see their dreams become reality. Not only is it one of the foremost companies in Israel, it has also earned an international reputation of renown, as can be seen from the numerous invitations received to participate in festivals all over the world. In 1993 the Company was both the first chosen to represent Israel in China with the renewal of diplomatic relations, and the first Israeli company to take part in the Melbourne (Australia) International Festival of the Arts. RAMI BE'ER RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Rami Be'er was born and lives on Kibbutz Ga'aton. As a child, he first studied cello, but soon began learning dance with Yehudit Amon. He joined the Kibbutz Dance Company Workshop before his army conscription and returned to it immediately on his release. 1981 Rami received a scholarship to Jacob's Pillow, U.S.A. On his return to Israel, he rejoined the Kibbutz Dance Company, both as a dancer and choreographer. 1987 Was invited to the International Choreographer's Course at Surrey University, Guildford, England. Today Rami Be'er is the resident House-Choreographer and Artistic Director. He has produced several delightful, highly-popular children's works. He is annually commissioned by Karmiel International Dance Festival, Israel, for a new production and has produced an impressive list of adult works. 1991 Rami produced his first full-length work "Real Time." 1992 Premiered two works - one to commemorate 500 years since the expulsion of the Jews from Spain - "Angeles Negros," and a short, exquisite piece for soloist ' "Wing's Dreams." 1992 and 1993, Rami worked with BUHNEN-Graz, Austria, for whom he produced two new choreographies. Summer 1993, "Naked City," full-length work. Summer 1994, "Aide Memoire," full-length work. "Aide Memoire is a dance that examines the enslavement of the memory to the ravages of the Holocaust. While the subject is not depicted openly, the underlying message is subtly implied as the tale unfolds of a sisyphen struggle between the individual and the society to which he belongs. Be'er expresses a conception of totality throughout his work where one finds a symbiotic balance between the dance sequences, the stage design, the lighting and the music. No one of these individual components are able to stand independently but together, build up a powerful integral scene. It is a tale of a journey. A journey into the inner soul of human beings that explores the relations with their own, and with all that surround them." -Ruth Ma'ayan Kol Hatzafon

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