The manifesto of the modern Flemish masters.

Flemish-Moroccan choreographer and Associate Artist Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui explores his Flemish roots. Finding inspiration in culturally rich, 15th century Flanders, Cherkaoui and his collaborators take inspiration from the Flemish grand masters and created this piece of dance theatre as a love letter to his Flemish roots.

On this journey he is joined by three other contemporary Flemish artists. Visual artist Hans Op de Beeck is known for his large-scale installations and sculptural works which are known for their distinctive grey colour. In his work, the use of grey echoes the pale landscape and architecture of Flanders.

Lute player Floris De Rycker and his music ensemble Ratas del Viejo Mundo explore the sounds of 1600s polyphonic music and Arabic influences in Western music.

Costume designer Jan-Jan Van Essche is inspired by different cultures with special attention for sustainable, local production.

The international performers of Eastman, Cherkaoui’s Antwerp-based company, enter a mythical past drawing parallels between the art of past and present. These four contemporary masters untangle what it means to be Flemish in modern society.

Co-commissioned by Sadler’s Wells

Header image description: A female performer kneels performing an extreme backbend, her hands on her chest. She is wearing white and a white veil flies back as she tips her head back. Behind her are three empty frames. One is being held by a performer and so we assume the other 2 are as well although they are in shadow.

Header image © Filip Van Roe