Dancers from across Africa perform Pina Bauschs acclaimed choreography of The Rite of Spring in a double bill with the duet common ground[s] by Germaine Acogny and Malou Airaudo.
The UK premiere of Pina Bauschs The Rite of Spring was performed in 1978 at the International Festival. This year, it returns with the original choreography and a cast of 34 specially assembled dancers from 14 African countries. In this pioneering work, on an earth-covered stage, dancers clash and engage in a wild and poetic struggle to the music of Igor Stravinsky.
To open the evening, the new work common ground[s] is performed and created by two remarkable women: Germaine Acogny, the mother of contemporary African dance and Malou Airaudo, who has performed leading roles in many of Bauschs early works. This is the duos first collaboration; a poetic and tender piece that examines their shared histories and emotional experiences.
Supported by James and Morag Anderson
Pina Bausch Foundation / cole des Sables / Sadlers Wells
The Rite of Spring
Pina Bausch Choreographer
Igor Stravinsky Composer
Rolf Borzik Set and Costume Designer
Hans Pop Collaboration
Josephine Ann Endicott, Jorge Puerta Armenta and Clmentine Deluy Restaging Artistic Directors
common ground[s]
Germaine Acogny and Malou Airaudo Co-Choreographers & Dancers
Fabrice Bouillon LaForest Composer
Petra Leidner Costume Designer
Zeynep Kepekli Lighting Designer
Sophiatou Kossoko Dramaturg
A Pina Bausch Foundation, cole des Sables & Sadlers Wells production, co-produced with Thtre de la Ville, Paris; Les Thtres de la Ville de Luxembourg; Holland Festival, Amsterdam; Festspielhaus,St Plten; Ludwigsburg Festival; Teatros del Canal de la Comunidad de Madrid, Adelaide Festival & Spoleto Festival dei 2Mondi.