Famous for his use of horses as a means of artistic expression, Bartabas is a world-renowned rider, director and stage designer. His company, Zingaro Equestrian Theatre has performed all over the world for over 25 years but these special performances mark Bartabas’ first appearance in London.

Using four horses live on stage and performed by Bartabas himself, The Centaur and the Animal follows the interaction between man and horse during the process of dressage (the highest level of training a horse can achieve). Throughout this startling and intimate performance the audience watch as the horse is exposed to a deeper level of knowledge while the man reverts to his animal instincts. Eventually we see man and animal merge into one being as The Centaur.

Featuring music by Jean Schwarz and atmospheric lighting by Françoise Michel, The Centaur and the Animal is choreographed by Bartabas and Ko Murobushi, one of Japan’s greatest butoh masters. This intriguing collaboration probes the relationship between man and beast and brings together beautiful equestrian movement with the strange and beguiling art of butoh.