The latest of Ballett Am Rhein’s series, b.28 juxtaposes Esplanade, a bedrock of the American dance repertoire with two premieres, Tenebre and Different Dialogues, both created for the Dusseldorf company.
Paul Taylor’s Esplanade was created 41 years ago as an observation of human connection in a street. This is not, however a world of grey office workers, but rather an energetic chorus running down a boulevard kicking leaves in the air. The dancers move like autumn leaves across the bare stage, with their movements and interactions swelling across the piece.
By contrast, South African born Hubert Essakow has created, Tenebre, a darker piece that draws inspiration from the Easter ceremony extinguishing light. Essakow’s piece, however, reverses this, moving from darkness into light, in a piece that feels at times like Swan Lake’s brooding cousin. Minimalist lighting and costume design layer an additional dimension of shadows to Essakow’s haunting choreography.
The final piece of the evening, also a premiere, is Dutch choreographer, Nils Christe’s, Different Dialogues. Starting out his career as a musician, Christe’s work is deeply rooted in his musical choices: in this instance a symphony by Philip Glass. While Different Dialogues may be grounded in Glass’ music, it is given depth and flourish by a staging that feels as if the dancers have journeyed through an elemental landscape: a watery backdrop, a forest of lights, swirling smoke and a stark world filled with a cacophony of shattering glass.
This is a powerful evening of dance that showcases the diversity and depth of talent in this company.
b.28 - Ballett am Rhein
Sunday July 10 at 3pm
RhineBuzz enjoys discounted seats for the ballet and opera
Please contact LindaatRhineBuzz@gmail.com for details
