Twitter Facebook More

les ballets C de la B — Out of Context - for Pina

Archived Show

Maverick director Alain Platel returns to Sadler’s Wells with a stunning new work. A major hit with audiences and critics at its recent Brussels premiere, Out of Context – for Pina is performed here in London for two nights.

For much of his recent career, Alain Platel has focused on developing a body language with which to physically translate exaggerated human emotions, exploring themes of hysteria and madness through movement.

"His best work in years"
DE MORGEN
"Fantastic. Out of Context – for Pina is a return to the essence: nine dancers, without scenery, dancing beautifully, mixing humour, emotion and loss of control"
LA LIBRE BELGIQUE
"A master of the unconventional"
EVENING STANDARD

In his latest work Out of Context - for Pina, Platel continues this investigation, starting with the notion that the word ‘choreography’ is derived from ‘chorea’; a medical term referring to a disorder of the nervous system, the symptoms of which are sudden, rapid, uncontrolled and hysteric movements of the body.

In contrast to the elaborate stage designs of recent works vsprs and pitié!, this intimate and intense piece is performed by nine dancers on an empty stage. Using only basic lighting and a soundtrack that will grow from the creative process, the absolute focus is given to the movement of the dancers and their relationship with the audience as the behavioural codes of both performer and spectator become intimately entwined.

"I am not referring to hysteria as a disease, but rather as an expression of oversensitivity to life. Whenever words are unable to express our innermost emotions, the body takes over."
ALAIN PLATEL

Sadler's Wells

Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R

17 Jun 2010 18 Jun 2010

View on Map