Phoenix Dance Theatre Explores Nostalgia and Connection in 'Interplay'

New mixed bill features a blend of contemporary and revival pieces set to diverse music

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Phoenix Dance Theatre is presenting a new mixed bill called 'Interplay' that explores themes of nostalgia and connection through a blend of contemporary and revival dance pieces. The program includes the new work 'Suite Release' by choreographers Marcus Jarrell Willis and Yusha-Marie Sorzano, which is inspired by 1990s hip-hop culture, as well as revivals of past pieces like 'Next of Kin' and 'Why Are People Clapping?'. The mixed bill also features a new work called 'Small Talk' by choreographic duo Travis Clausen-Knight and James Pett (PCK Dance), which draws inspiration from the styles of Jiří Kylián and Mats Ek.

Why it matters

The Phoenix Dance Theatre's 'Interplay' program represents an intentional effort to engage with dance history while also exploring current artistic trends. The inclusion of both contemporary and revival pieces, as well as a diverse range of musical influences, suggests a commentary on the cyclical nature of cultural impact and the continued relevance of dance as a medium for expressing themes of nostalgia, connection, and the human experience.

The details

The centerpiece of the 'Interplay' program is 'Suite Release,' a new work by choreographers Marcus Jarrell Willis and Yusha-Marie Sorzano that aims to evoke memories of 1990s hip-hop culture and the energy of the dancefloor. The piece features music from artists like DJ Kool Herc, Buju Banton, and A Tribe Called Quest. The program also includes revivals of past works, such as Marcus Jarrell Willis's 'Next of Kin' from 2013, which offers a playful look at sibling dynamics, and Ed Myhill's 'Why Are People Clapping?' from 2018, which visualizes rhythm through dance set to Steve Reich's 'Clapping Music.' The mixed bill is rounded out by a new piece called 'Small Talk' by choreographic duo Travis Clausen-Knight and James Pett (PCK Dance), which presents a troubled couple within a domestic setting and draws inspiration from the styles of Jiří Kylián and Mats Ek.

  • The Phoenix Dance Theatre's 'Interplay' tour will run until June 27th, following its premiere at Leeds Playhouse from March 31st to April 2nd.

The players

Marcus Jarrell Willis

A choreographer who created the new work 'Suite Release' and the revival piece 'Next of Kin' for the 'Interplay' program.

Yusha-Marie Sorzano

A choreographer who collaborated with Marcus Jarrell Willis on the new work 'Suite Release' for the 'Interplay' program.

Travis Clausen-Knight

One half of the choreographic duo PCK Dance, which created the new work 'Small Talk' for the 'Interplay' program.

James Pett

One half of the choreographic duo PCK Dance, which created the new work 'Small Talk' for the 'Interplay' program.

Ed Myhill

The choreographer behind the revival piece 'Why Are People Clapping?' included in the 'Interplay' program.

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The takeaway

The Phoenix Dance Theatre's 'Interplay' program represents a thoughtful exploration of dance's ability to connect with the past while also pushing the art form forward. By blending contemporary and revival works, as well as diverse musical influences, the company is inviting audiences to reflect on the cyclical nature of cultural impact and the continued relevance of dance as a medium for expressing universal human experiences.