Tag Archives: Dominica Plummer

NELKEN

★★★★★

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

NELKEN at Sadler’s Wells Theatre

★★★★★

“This revival of Nelken honours its roots, while embracing the experiences of a new generation of dancers”

Pina Bausch’s Nelken, created in 1982 for her company Tanztheater Wuppertal, was first performed at Sadler’s Wells in 2005. Nelken now returns for a triumphant revival under the direction of Boris Charmatz. From the extraordinary dance floor, covered with thousands of pink carnations—Nelken is the German word for carnations—to an eclectic yet entirely appropriate choice of modern and classical music to accompany the dancers, Pina Bausch’s iconic company captures the essence, once again, of what we have come to understand as “Tanztheater.”

What is “Tanztheater?” It’s an intriguing question. It’s described in the programme as “a form that blends dance and everyday movement” but what that description doesn’t cover is the complex layers of irony enfolded in every clash between dance and “everyday” movement. Tanztheater is part of Bausch’s response to the complicated times in which she grew up, to Germany’s own complicated history, and the self referential irony that is associated with that. Unsurprisingly, Bausch’s work is also drama—and a beautiful yet violent story is unfolding in Nelken. Over nearly two hours, everyone is engulfed in this tale of colliding encounters, including the audience.

Don’t come to Nelken expecting a conventional play, or even, for that matter, classical dance. Nelken is something else entirely. It begins with stunning images and peaceful moments as the dancers enter in beautifully designed dresses, regardless of gender, hopping about the carnations like a child’s idea of rabbits. It ends with utter exhaustion and anger. Yes, anger at the audience for making them go through all this. For every beautiful movement, or childlike moment of innocence, Nelken wrenches itself apart with violence. Men in dark suits with barking Alsatians enter this beautiful space, as well as sinister officials demanding passports. Women scream protests as dancers assault one another. Others enact, over and over again, dramatic falls off a table that advances across the stage like a battalion on a battlefield. It is exhausting to watch. Exhausting, but exhilarating. Where else could you see beautiful dancers perform moves with an ironic glance aimed straight at the audience? Or endlessly form and reform a “Nelken” line as they acknowledge not just the moves of classical dance, but turn those into sign language? This is the genius of Pina Bausch—to show us the power of movement growing from childlike beginnings among the beautiful carnations, and flowering into something adult—and dark. Nelken may be about love, but it is also about the things that turn love ugly.

Every dancer in the Tanztheater Wuppertal brings something uniquely themselves into Nelken. It is fascinating to watch individuals reveal themselves even as they perform as part of a company. Under Boris Charmatz’ direction, who now leads Tanztheater Wuppertal (Bausch died in 2009), the dancers continue to ask themselves questions that prompt such individual responses. This revival of Nelken honours its roots, while embracing the experiences of a new generation of dancers.

Sadler’s Wells has produced the work of the Tanztheater Wuppertal often, and have built a loyal following over the years. Last night’s performance of Nelken was sold out, unsurprisingly. Don’t let that put you off trying to get a ticket for their next visit, though. If you succeed, you’ll be delighted by the work of this extraordinary company.

 


NELKEN at Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Reviewed on 14th February 2024

by Dominica Plummer

Photography by Oliver Look

 

 

Previously reviewed at this venue:

LOVETRAIN2020 | ★★★★ | November 2023
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER AT 65 | ★★★★★ | September 2023
DANCE ME | ★★★★★ | February 2023
BREAKIN’ CONVENTION 2021 | ★★★★★ | July 2021
WILD CARD | ★★★★ | June 2021
OVERFLOW | ★★★★★ | May 2021
REUNION | ★★★★★ | May 2021

NELKEN

NELKEN

Click here to see our Recommended Shows page

 

Solstice

★★★★

Battersea Arts Centre

SOLSTICE at Battersea Arts Centre

★★★★

“Solstice may be a small show, but it has a large heart”

Wild Rumpus’ show Solstice, now running at the Battersea Arts Centre, is an easy winner if you are looking for a show for young children this holiday season. It’s just big enough in space and long enough in time for kids and their carers to enjoy a specially curated experience that brings the magic of the outdoors, indoors. There’s a light trail, storytelling, larger than life puppets, and activities designed to enchant the littlest audiences. Solstice isn’t just about the winter solstice, either. There’s a room in the show for every season, including a space where kids can gather to create their own intentions for “their next turn around the sun.”

Wild Rumpus is better known as an outdoors festival producer, where it has gathered an impressive reputation for creating immersive woodland events. Such events can last several days and include camping near the site, as well as getting involved in literature, music, dance, comedy, costumes and make up. Solstice indoors—and in a big city like London—loses some of Wild Rumpus’ original intent, which is to “provide family arts in the wild”. Solstice is so well designed and carefully thought out, however, that everyone will enjoy a brief trip to the world outdoors, even if it is inside. And Solstice is a timely reminder that the natural world is all around us if we know where, and how, to look.

Solstice is no mere light trail like so many others that are currently on offer around London. Each part of the experience merges seamlessly with the next, and there’s a story linking every space in the show. Solstice is about a quest to find and comfort the winter wolf who is missing his hibernating friends from the warmer seasons. The quest begins in spring, with a space filled with dragon sized eggs (some already cracked open!) and a beautiful larger than life sized, light filled dragonfly. Children are given activity sheets at the beginning of Solstice to draw, count, classify and create as they move through the rooms. I don’t want to spoil the surprises that follow meeting the dragonfly, except to say that the skills of storyteller George are a good preparation for the most magical encounter of them all—meeting the winter wolf. If parents are concerned that any of these experiences may be too overwhelming, kids can step out and take a break at any time. Every performance is relaxed, and the Battersea Arts Centre has also put aside a chill out space if needed.

Solstice may be a small show, but it has a large heart, perfectly sized to introduce kids to the world outdoors. Wild Rumpus and the Battersea Arts Centre have teamed up to create a lovely space where families can pause and reflect on the passing of the seasons.


SOLSTICE at Battersea Arts Centre

Reviewed on 5th December 2023

by Dominica Plummer

Photography by Harry Elletson

 


 

Previously reviewed at this venue:

Little Red Riding Hood | ★★½ | December 2022
Tanz | ★★★★ | November 2022
Hofesh Shecter: Contemporary Dance 2 | ★★★★★ | October 2022

Solstice

Solstice

Click here to see our Recommended Shows page