The Rite of Spring / common ground[s]

An emblem of modernity, Stravinsky’s masterpiece, with its extraordinary telluric power, has inspired generations of contemporary choreographers. This “great pagan sacred ritual,” in the composer’s own words, is a landmark in the work of Pina Bausch. For several months, at the École des Sables, south of Dakar, a team of artists from Tanztheater Wuppertal revived and shared the essence of the Rite choreographed by Bausch in 1975 with performers from 14 African countries. On the soil-covered stage, male and female dancers clash and engage in a wild and poetic struggle that culminates in the sacrifice of the Chosen One. To open the evening, common ground[s] witnesses the meeting between Germaine Acogny, first lady of contemporary African dance and founder of the École des Sables, and Malou Airaudo, an icon of the first hour of Tanztheater Wuppertal. Two women’s destinies and two dance traditions intertwine in a sensitive and moving duet, reflecting their connection and rich respective histories.

Oct 21-22 – University of Michigan – Powell Center – Ann Arbor (MI)

Oct 27-28 – Harris Theater – Chicago (IL)

Co-produced with Théâtre de la Ville, Paris; Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg; Holland Festival, Amsterdam; Festspielhaus, St Pölten; Ludwigsburg Festival; Teatros del Canal de la Comunidad de Madrid, Adelaide Festival, and Spoleto Festival dei 2Mondi.