Fraternal ties fray in an age-old fable brought to life

Following a successful New York run this year, Matsena returns to Sadler’s Wells East with this reimagining of Cain and Abel, the classic tale of sibling rivalry that has rippled across time.

With a vivid blend of hip hop, contemporary and traditional African dance styles, seamlessly combined with text, Kabel explores primal emotions. It’s about love, joy, jealousy and rage. About bodies becoming battlefields when bonds are shattered. About violence that’s both inexplicable and inevitable. About redemption, and the unforgivable. It finds a powerful relevance for today in the story of history’s first murder.

Created by brothers Anthony and Kel Matsena (Shades of Blue, Sadler’s Wells; The Herds, Venice Biennale), Kabel has a thrilling live energy together with stunning visuals, propulsive music and heart-stopping moments of theatricality.

Co-commissioned by Sadler’s Wells

Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

Matsena is supported by Arts Council Wales

Header image © Kirsten McTernan
Header image description: Two performers sit back-to-back at the centre of a glossy red stage, connected by thick red ropes that rise above them and meet in a large knot overhead.