A prominent union group, the Equity Choreographers and Movement Directors Network (CMDN), is advocating for the establishment of specific awards to honor the significant contributions of theatre choreographers and movement directors. The group argues that these artists, who are instrumental in shaping the physical narrative of stage productions, are currently undervalued and underrepresented at major awards ceremonies.
While acknowledging the recent recognition of choreography at the Olivier Awards, where Fabian Aloise won Best Theatre Choreographer for “Evita,” the CMDN highlighted the absence of a dedicated category for movement directors. This oversight, the group contends, raises crucial questions about how the artistry of theatre is defined and who is credited for their role in the creation process, particularly concerning the critical element of movement and choreography.
The CMDN emphasizes that celebrating the power of physical storytelling in theatre necessitates acknowledging the artists responsible for it. Their call for dedicated awards aims to bring greater visibility and appreciation to the specialized skills and creative vision that choreographers and movement directors bring to the stage.