Tomer Heymann's MR. GAGA is a unique documentary experience that tells the story of the internationally acclaimed choreographer Ohad Naharin, who created the daring form of dance and "movement language" Gaga. When he was 22, he was invited to perform with the prestigious Martha Graham dance company, and attended Juilliard and the School of American Ballet simultaneously. But Naharin would not be happy until he could do exactly what he wanted. Moving back to Israel, Naharin became the Artistic Director of the Batsheva Dance Company, developing Gaga within his own ensemble. Even after achieving worldwide acclaim, Naharin continues to fight every day, sometimes with his own dancers, once even with the president of Israel, to make his vision come to life. Meeting him at a critical turning point in his personal life, this spirited and insightful documentary will introduce you to a man with great artistic integrity and an extraordinary vision. MR. GAGA tells Naharin's personal story of a controversial, political, and always entertaining figure, and his constant battle for artistic perfection. Eight years in the making, MR. GAGA traces Naharin's artistic roots using personal family footage, intimate rehearsal footage, extensive unseen archive material and stunning dance sequences. Heymann weaves a marvelous tale of what it takes to be a genius, the exhausting toll dance can take on its performers, and finally, the beauty that art can bring to this world.

"The portrait of the artist might be a bit uncritically rosy; still, this is a compelling dance film that captures the drive and passion of a key figure in contemporary choreography." (The Globe and Mail)

"Mr. Gaga doesn't really explain why the demanding choreographer is called Mr. Gaga, but dance fans will still be in thrall to this charismatic figure and his rule-bending art." (The Georgia Straight)

"This is a documentary that anyone who cares about art will respond to. Naharin is an intriguing subject -- not always truthful or predictable, but utterly compassionate and principled in his own uneasy way." (NOW Toronto)

Saturday, May 6
Doors 12:30 pm | Movie 1:00 pm

Advance tickets $10 | $12 at the door

*Minors welcome! Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Groupons and passes OK! Please redeem at the door.

MR. GAGA (Tomer Heymann, 2016 / 100 min / PG) The story of Ohad Naharin, renowned choreographer and artistic director of the Batsheva Dance Company, an artistic genius who redefined the language of modern dance.