3Abschied is the result of an unprecedented collaboration between Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker and Jérôme Bel. Having been captivated by The Farewell, the final part of Gustav Mahler’s Song of the Earth for some time, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker invited Jérôme Bel to work with her on creating a performance to this challenging music.

The inspiration for 3Abschied is drawn from the last movement of Mahler’s six part work, Der Abschied (The Farewell), which uses text from two poems by Chinese poets Mong Kao Jen and Wang Wei involving the theme of departure. Also on stage alongside De Keersmaeker will be contemporary music ensemble, Ictus, as they try to address the question of whether it is even possible to choreograph to this epic masterpiece.

Jérôme Bel is known for his experimental and highly inventive dance works (Shirtology, The show must go on) while Rosas and PARTS dance school founder De Keersmaeker is one of the most influential choreographers of the last 30 years.