Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui: 4D - Sadler's Wells

When Sadler’s Wells first presented their Sadler’s Sampled festival last year, there was one thing that particularly caught our eye – they were offering standing tickets for a mere £8. Now, while we do more often than not appreciate having a seat rather than endure the constant shoving and elbowing of a standing event, some dance performances make it very hard to stay in your seat. Sadler’s Wells seems to have found a cure for that. As an added bonus, the standing tickets are right in front of the stage – an affordable and intense way to experience dance.

Sadler's Wells associate artist Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s 4D is part of this year’s Sadler’s Sampled, a two-week taster event designed to attract newcomers to dance. 4D consists of four duets which were created by Cherkaoui for various recent pieces. Taken out of their original context, they present an interesting glimpse into the work of this in-demand Belgian choreographer. 

Previously unseen by London audiences, the programme will revive the duet Matter from Cherkaoui’s 2008 piece Origine. It will also feature Faun, commissioned by Sadler’s Wells back in 2009 for their successful Diaghilev programme, and Pure, part of Sadler’s Wells' 2011 full-length performance TeZukA. Last but not least comes the duet Sin, created in 2010 as part of Babel (Words), described by  The Guardian  as ‘the most fiercely resonant dance theatre of the decade.’ 

In addition to the live dancing, the evening also includes a showing of the film Valtari, which Cherkaoui and director Christian Larson created for the Icelandic rock band Sigur Rós.            

4D promises to be a refreshingly noncommittal way of experiencing dance and getting to know a choreographer. Look forward to snapshots of pure dance, segments from Cherkaoui's catalogue of work.