Journey
The work " Journey " by the Israeli choreographer Domy Reiter Soffer , who is establishing himself abroad as a choreographer of standing, is the most theatrical and visually the most compelling in this particular programme. Danced to the music of John McLaughlin, Frank, Froese, Baumann it tells of the surrealistic Journey of a woman into her dreams. Jeanette Ordman as the woman with Maor as the haunting figure who draws her to the brink of subconscious and whom eventually kills, is a splendid ballet of true power and wonderful choreography, The entire company dance this work with great skill and panache. It is the most spectacular staging we have seen in Johannesburg. The costumes décor and lighting were brilliant and one got involved to the very end.
There is a magnificent duet for Ordman and Maor that is highly inventive and dynamic these moments are rare in theatre and the breathtaking end was a wonderful surprise and a theatrical coup.
Eve Borland-Critic
In last night at the Civic Theatre, The piece of resistance of the evening was "Journey" a work by Domy Reiter Soffer which explore the psyche of a woman. The protagonist at first succumbs to then triumphs over the fantasy figures that haunt her. On one level it might be translated as the transcending of the physical plane to aspire to the spiritual, on another it might be merely the emancipation from male domination. Either way, the theme is fascinating one, and cleverly conceived. The work won me over completely by its brilliant choreography I have ever encountered. Particularly the startling duets, here Ordman admirably partnered by Maor, is the height of the evening. I would recommend most strongly to all Ballet and theatre lovers not to miss this innovating experience.
Raeford Daniel- Rand Daily Mail
Strong and expert dancing, imaginative choreography coupled with evocative music and magnificent stagecraft make the current season of the Bat Dor Dance Company which opened at the Nico Malan Theatre last night, something that is worth going a long way to see.
The most impressive Ballet was "Journey" with choreography by Domy Reiter Soffer was sheer theatre at its best. The pure fantasy and powerful choreography transcended any artistic venture I have seen in a long time. The pure fantasy, the journey of a woman's mind into a dream world achieving eventual serenity and within was most effective. Of the four pieces in the programme I enjoyed Journey the most with its surrealism, the music score and the overall feeling of space age expression in the most visually satisfying way, a build up to impressive end that made the audience sit at the edge of their seat. Bravo Bat Dor and Bravo
Keith Macfarlane- The Argus
The Highlight of last night evening was "Journey" a work by the international Choreographer Domy Reiter Soffer which has the most fascinating theme. In this work Jeannette Ordman soars to unimagined technical heights partnered by Yehuda Maor, gave unforgettable performance of pure controlled energy and most moving account of a woman's search for inner perfection and eventual triumph over fear reaching to a splendid ending of Fountain of light, True theatrical experience and unforgettable evening.
H. Linden- The Chronicle
Domy Reiter Soffer's "Journey" for Bat Dor dance Company is a dramatic moving ballet of the first degree. It has a strong definite choreographical impact and musical spectrum that puts the audience in an intriguing mood.
Both Jeannetter Ordman and Reda Sheta Danced with bravura their duets were most exciting and passionate and the entire Corps rose to heights rarely seen on a stage.
A woman in search for perfection through endless journey of psychological array to find truth and fulfillment. The Ballet is erotic without being absurd and the choreography is cunning clever and brilliant. It is definitely a winner for Bat Dor Company.
Dora Sowdon- The Jerusalem Post.
"Journey" a ballet performed last night by the Bat Dor Dance Company was indeed a splendid agile, and virile work bringing a definite discipline and highly technical bravura to the whole company. The Ballet is extremely powerful and emotional and gave Jeannette Ordman and Yehuda Maor the opportunity to display their Artistry and exceptional technique showing the Corps at its best. A journey that takes the audience into realm of beauty and wonder providing an eerie haunting fantasy.
Michael Venables- Sunday Times
For me the peak of an intense evening's dance at the opening of the Bat Dor Dance Company's Johannesburg season was "Journey".
A woman discovering that only by challenging the surrealistic menace of her dreams can purity and wholeness can be achieved.
Domy Reiter Soffer's choreography is perfect some of the imagery is outstanding the three faced woman for example is so haunting and startling that gets you to the edge of your seat. Jeannette Ordman the protagonist and Yehuda Maor the man that haunts her through varies worlds and episodes dance with conviction and great technical feats. Their final erotic duet is beautifully danced and heart throbbing. The Corps moved from one scene to the other seamlessly and with great panache. The Ballet remained to the end mysterious full of impact.
Robert Greig-The Star
The visiting Bat Dor Dance Company entertained their awaiting enthusiastic audience with a programme of the highest standard. The most original work on the programme is "Journey" choreography by Domy Reiter Soffer with Music by Franke/Froese/Baumann Richcochet portrayed facets of a surrealistic dream of a woman struggling to achieve purity and perfection through her dreams and reality.
Jeannette Ordman and Yehuda Maor danced the main roles with conviction and great theatricality. Their technical virtuosity and musicality was apparent throughout. In fact the whole company danced with such bravura and energy that it was a great artistic experience which gave the spectator the sensation of living in a fourth dimension, It is a must see ballet.
E. Ahlers- Die Transvaler
The Bat Dor Dance Company making their United state Debut opening at the Brooklyn Academy of Music last night represented an impressive first program.
In "Journey"Mr. Domy Reiter Soffer has created a vehicle for Miss Jeannette Ordman that serves her dramatic projection and stage presence perfectly, he is a choreographer with firm grasp of how to put movement together. The Corps gave a strong support to Miss Ordman and Mr. Maor as the haunting figure was the perfect foil. Their final duet was indeed exciting and inventive.
Anna Kisselgoff- New York Times
