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Dance

Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, Sadler's Wells

07 Feb 14 – 16 Feb 14, 7.30pm

This piece is a kind of manifesto of Pina Bausch's belief in the human spirit and the power of theatre. Though its title refers to the worst...

By CW Contributor on 11/11/2013

1 CW reader is interested
© Ulli Weiss
© Ulli Weiss
Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, Sadler's Wells Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, Sadler's Wells Clare James
This piece is a kind of manifesto of  Pina Bausch's belief in the human spirit and the power of theatre. Though its title refers to the worst year of her life, when her companion and stage designer, Rolf Borzik, died of leukaemia, it's about ways of surviving. She tapped into her dancers' individual memories of childhood, adolescence, love and loss to make a dreamlike tapestry. Like life, 1980 doesn't make sense, but there's a mass of material to which audience members can relate. Bausch's method of questioning her performers to reveal their innermost fears and secrets has since been much imitated, as have her juxtapositions of cruelty and laughter. She, however, had a unique sense of theatrical timing: surrender and you'll be charmed, entertained and surprised. Walk out and you'll be sorry.

1980 is set in a limbo, on grass-covered turf that is watered during the three and a half hours 'piece', less dance than absurdist revue. Music and costumes evoke the past, as if the performers are channelling their parents' or even grandparents' behaviour as well as their own youth. A few cast members were in the original production, some 30 years ago, including the present director, Dominique Mercy; others, like his daughter, are too young to have worked with her. The mix of ages and nationalities is typical of Bausch's preference for a company that reflects a range of experience. All are trained dancers (with rare exceptions), though in 1980 you won't see any dance-as-such until about three hours in. But only dancers could run on grass in high heels and parade elegantly through the audience without missing a beat.



What Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, Sadler's Wells
Where Sadler's Wells, Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN | MAP
Nearest tube Acton Town (underground)
When 07 Feb 14 – 16 Feb 14, 7.30pm
Price £12-£60
Website Click here to book via Sadler's Wells



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  • What the critics say

    The New York Times

    'Miss Bausch's use of space is psychologically brilliant and visually stunning' Anna Kisselgoff

    The Guardian

    ' There has been no one like her. Her monumental effect has yet to be really felt' Fiona Shaw

    Did you know..

    About Pina 

    Pina founded her company, Tanztheater ('dance theatre'), in 1973, in Wuppertal, Germany. She broke free of the shackles of classical ballet, elevating dance to brilliantly subversive expressive realms, and triggered an international choreographic revolution. She specialised in large multi-media productions, with collages of sound, dance and poetic images, which are open to many interpretations. Her direct style is not to everyone's taste, however, with some critics considering her pieces too solipsistic and indulgent. Since her death in 2009, age 68, her company has continued her work, faithful to her mantra: 'Dance, dance, or we are lost'. The opening credits of the Wim Wenders' film celebrating her life, poses the Pina-esque questions: 'Is it dance? Is it theatre? Or is it just life?'

    Tips for the night

    Peter Pabst has designed Pina's sets since 1980, always drawing on natural elements - earth, water, rocks, flowers. Sit in the front stalls and you might be offered a cup of tea by a member of the cast. Bring your own drink since there's no interval. Mind your clobber on the floor as the cast winds through the rows of seats downstairs.


    Practical

    Where to eat

    There are plenty of good restaurants on the nearby St. John Street. A favourite of ours is a little way down, near Smithfield Market: St John Bar and Restaurant offers a daily menu of top quality, seasonal classics with a legendary wine list. The bar can be busy but it adds to the atmosphere. Or if you are there on a Friday or Saturday take a stroll to Exmouth Market and grab something to eat there.

  • Parking tips

    It is quite easy to park near Sadler’s Wells. There is a single yellow line on Roseberry Avenue for parking after 6.30 on Weekdays and on Sundays.

    It you can’t find any space left on that one, try Arlington Way. It is one of the best kept secrets for parking spots in the area.

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  • Sushi Tetsu

    Feast on top-notch sushi, sashimi and udon at the sophisticated Sushi Tetsu. This tiny shrine to the best of Japanese food has only half a dozen seats at the counter, so advanced booking is definitely necessary.

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    Book Map
1

Sadler's Wells

Pina Bausch

Tanztheater

Dance

Contemporary dance

Dominique Mercy



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