Sadler’s wells
Theatre review
Preformed at Sadler’s Wells, this November for far too short a run ‘The Rite of Spring’ by Pina Bausch, is interpreted by a stunning African cast, under the direction of Germaine Acogny and Malou Airaudo, who previously worked with Bausch. This new production is the result of a collaboration between the Pina Bausch Foundation, the École des Sables production, and Sadler’s Wells.
It is very much a production of 2 halves.
We were first treated to ‘common ground[s],’ choreographed and performed by Germaine Acogny and Malou Airaudo. Both women are accomplished dancers in their late 70s who offer an intimate, cooperative dancing act. The piece is a graceful and immersive presentation of two women on a journey, with beautifully executed movements evoking bonding and healing.
After the interval the second half was an interpretation of The Rite of Spring, choreographed by Germaine Acogny and Malou Airaudo. An ensemble of 32 African dancers from different cultural backgrounds showcased the piece, injecting a new spirit into Pina Bausch’s stunning work.
The dancers’ technique was flawless, and their interpretation felt like an almost visceral response to the score. African women soared effortlessly onto their partners’ shoulders, while the men’s movements were fuelled with raw energy and precision. The complex technique of leaps and turns slicing through the air without any collisions was staggering.
As the dancers weaved in and out of formation, the fluidity of each movement was heightened by the natural draping of the silk dresses worn by the women.
The staging’s rich tones of brown—ranging from deep brown to light tan—served as a resonant backdrop, enhancing the performance’s stripped-down quality. The result was truly mesmerising. This deserved an encore, and an encore, and another one…
Sadler’s proves once again that it never fails to bring the most magical dance performances to London for those lucky enough to get tickets.
