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Blockbuster Matisse exhibition comes to Wotton cinema

Following the successful cinema broadcasts by theatre companies including the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Tate Modern gallery is now bringing its sell-out new exhibition– Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs – to cinemas. This exclusive private tour, bringing to the big screen the works of one of the most important artists of the last century, can be seen at the Electric Picture House, Wotton-under-Edge, live on Tuesday 3 June at 7.15pm.

A giant of modern art, this landmark show explores the final chapter in Henri-Émile-Benoît Matisse’s career as he began ‘carving into colour’ and his series of spectacular cut-outs was born. Bold, lively and often large scale, the cut-outs are a joyous celebration of colour and shape.

The film features an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the exhibition with Tate Director Nicholas Serota, and breathtaking new performances by Royal Ballet principal dancer Zanaida Yanowsky, and jazz musician Courtney Pine.  Fresh from his recent triumph as King Lear - a sell-out at the Electric earlier this month - Simon Russell Beale brings insight and emotion to the words of Matisse himself; whilst Rupert Young (most recently seen on the BBC in The White Queen and Merlin) provides the film’s narration.   This will be complemented by interviews with art experts, friends of the artist, and rare archive footage of Matisse at work.

Both dance and jazz music were art forms that Matisse responded to in his own work.  Six years after he had been diagnosed with cancer, Matisse published Jazz, a book containing prints of his cut-out collages. He compared the improvisational rhythms of jazz to his own way of working.  Invoking the golden age of Bebop, the celebrated British musician Courtney Pine has created a new piece, specially for Matisse Live, as a personal response, which is performed with a trio of drums, double bass and saxophone from Tate Modern.

Dance also fascinated Matisse, inspiring one of his most famous compositions, The Dance 1909,  showing five figures dancing in a circle. In 1937, Matisse designed the scenery and costumes for a ballet based on Shostakovich’s Symphony Number One.  As part of Matisse: Live,  world famous choreographer Will Tuckett  is creating a response to Matisse's 'Dance' cut-outs with Royal Ballet principal dancer, Zenaida Yanowsky. Their brand new dance piece will reflect the colours, dynamism and freedom of the cut-outs, and, fittingly, is set to Shostakovich’s music.

Nicholas Serota said: "For many people, Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs will be the most evocative, compelling and beautiful show that London has ever seen. These are some of the most beautiful works Matisse ever made and some of the most important. I am delighted that those unable to visit the show at Tate Modern will have the opportunity to be moved by these great works in their local cinemas. For those who visit the show, Matisse Live will enrich that experience, offering additional contextualisation and interpretation of the exhibition."

Tickets cost £10 and can be booked in advance through the cinema's website, www.wottoncinema.com.  Advance tickets can also be purchased at the cinema during opening hours, or by calling 01453 844601.

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