The Rite of Spring / common ground[s] ★★★★ Sadler's Wells Theatre | November 6 - 10, 2024


The threads running throughout these two pieces are the spirit of late choreographer, Pina Bausch, and the inspiration of African dance. The first work, common ground[s], features Malou Airaudo who created major roles in Bausch's Tanztheater Wuppertal and Germaine Acogny, co-founder of the premier African company, École des Sables. These doyennes of dance expressively explore different traditions of movement which unite to form an eternal human bond. The piece is also a moving meditation on aging and the passage of time. Dawn breaks at its beginning, and it concludes with a nightfall haunted by a rhythm reminiscent of a heartbeat. common ground[s] proves to be a perfect introduction to Bausch's interpretation of Stravinsky's masterpiece, which is also a reflection on mutability, seeing human sacrifice in the context of the cycle of nature. The work is performed by dancers recruited from fourteen African countries, and they perform on a soil covered stage. Their impassioned movement becomes hypnotic and is ultimately awe inspiring. They completely capture the visceral fervour of the composer's haunting soundscape and bring all of the turbulent passion out of his piece. While the production may not always be technically perfect, it is extraordinarily powerful. Bausch's choreography and the spirit of this African troupe make for an intense evening that is quite unforgettable.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Maarten Vanden Abeele

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