By Ezekiel Oliveira in collaboration with Esplanade- Theatres on the Bay
An exquisite selection of performances and world-renowned choreographers take over the da:ns festival stages at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay from the 13th to the 23rd of October 2016.
This year’s edition of da:ns festival is quintessentially contemporary, beginning with the iconic Nelken, a dance-theatre piece from Pina Bausch. Following these audiences can stand and marvel at performances drawn from Indian classical dance, stretching into flamenco as well as freestyle boxing, culminating in the ultimate celebration of dance with Gaga movement from Batsheva Dance Company.
1 Nelken (Carnations)
Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch (Germany)
Pina Bausch, synonymous with geniality, and the fountainhead of dance-theatre is responsible for exceptional if not the most esteemed, and prized dance performances in the world.
Nelken (Carnations) is a romantic journey into the realm of dreamland. ‘A meadow teeming with pink carnations stretches as far as the eyes can see.’
13th – 16th of October.
2 The Second Sunrise
Raka Maitra and CHOWK Productions (Singapore)
The world premiere of Raka Maitra’s new contemporary work drawing from the vocabulary and style of Odissi (Indian classical dance) is continuing her quest for just dance. She distills a ‘radical corporality’ which is deeply embedded in the bodies of her classically trained dancers. The Second Sunrise is an acknowledgement to contemporary Tamil poet Cheran’s war anthology that explores bereavement, and the deep connection one has to one’s land.
14th – 15th of October.
3 Voces, suite Flamenca
Sara Baras (Spain)
A colourfully vibrant production conquering drama and the unequivocal passion inherent to flamenco; comprising eleven distinct pieces of dance, Baras explores smooth footwork alongside her glorious and well-known stage presence, growing flamenco into ardent avenues of complex improvisation and fast choreography. Accompanied by live singers, guitars, and percussion.
18th – 19th of October.
4 Decadance
Batsheva Dance Company (Israel)
The raw and fully charged performance of the sui generis style of Ohad Naharin is a mesmerising event of the phenomenal artistry of the internationally acclaimed Batsheva Dance Company. Physically demanding, it shows the highest regard for detail and sensibilities defying the rules of contemporary choreography.
21st – 22nd of October.
5 Brodal Serei (Freestyle Boxing)
Emmanuèle Phuon (France/Belgium) and Amrita Performing Arts (Cambodia)
Brodal Serei, by Amrita Performing Arts (Cambodia), analyses the history of the Khmer boxer in today’s society beyond the boxing ring. Emmanuèle Phuon presents a dance piece scrutinising the lives of these fighters beyond the glamorous fighting ring, bestowing complex connections inherent to the form; this choreography is keen in proving the intimate, social, cultural and socio-economic conditions of the sport.
22nd – 23rd of October.