SYNCOPATION

A Critical Stages and The Follies Company production

SYNCOPATION by Allan Knee (Finding Neverland) tells the story of Henry and Anna who bridge a cultural divide and breach social constraints in their attempt to create a brilliant partnership.

The challenge is profound. The journey is powerful, moving, heartbreaking and uplifting.

Based in a dusty room in an old apartment building in New York City in 1912 -13, Anna, an Italian seamstress and Henry, a Jewish meatpacker, try to overcome the hardship in their lives – caught up in the jazzy energy of a newly electrified Manhattan. Henry, a migrant from Poland, is relentless, even obsessive in his dream to create a great ballroom dancing partnership. In the process, Anna evolves from a shy, proper, traditional girl into a liberated, self-realised woman. Anna’s evolution is one of the great coming of age stories in theatrical drama.

An entire world and every fascinating nuance of relationship dynamics is created and explored with a beautifully simple set, two actors, wonderful choreography and movement, eloquent lighting, superb direction and the wonderful music of Irving Berlin, Scott Joplin and George Gershwin. SYNCOPATION, which means 'rhythm accented on the off-beat', shows how differences of upbringing and cultural backgrounds can flourish together.

SYNCOPATION will capture your heart and make you think about what it truly means to be a partner.

This truly spectacular performance mesmorised Melbourne audiences at its sellout extended season at Chapel off Chapel in September-October 2010, with critics proclaiming SYNCOPATION to be

Sizzling! - Sunday Herald Sun

An enjoyable piece … I haven't seen a better judged performance this year! - Herald Sun

A compelling love story that promenades, foxtrots and tangos to life! - The Age