The Battle
2019 will mark 75 years since the Battle of Arnhem. It was a memorable moment in Dutch history. As a tribute, Introdans director Roel Voorintholt put together a surprising programme around the ideas of strength and struggle. THE BATTLE is the premiere of new choreography by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.
A battle of four ballets about human strength and mutual struggle.
THE BATTLE opens with a 'battle' by - the name says it all - American Robert Battle: The Hunt. A true blockbuster, that's how The New York Times described The Hunt. It is one of Robert Battle's most popular works. The tough, dynamic male choreography depicts a primeval dance ritual with a strong contemporary urban undertone.
Introdans is proud to present the Dutch premiere of Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui's Qutb
in this programme. The top-tier Flemish-Moroccan choreographer created this piece for London-based Sadler's Wells Theatre and star ballerina Natalia Osipova. With Qutb (Arabic for axle or turning point), Cherkaoui explores 'unknown and dangerous territory'. Interdependence, contact improvisation, flow and trance are the physical means with which the three dancers seek connection.
Spaniard Cayetano Soto, one of the most in-demand dance artists of the moment, is creating a new work for THE BATTLE, exclusively for the Introdans women. The question of what a far-reaching intense experience (such as living in war) does to you is at the heart of this piece.
THE BATTLE concludes with an impressive 'old master': Missa Brevis, the magnum opus of one of the founders of American modern dance, José Limón. He developed his own dance technique, which is still taught worldwide. Limón's animated and moving choreography expresses an untameable human power.
Introdans was founded in 1971 and has been a leading company in the field of modern ballet for years. Introdans lends a contemporary interpretation to ballet and wants to bring everyone, young and old, into the experience of dance.
Programme
Missa Brevis | choreography Jose Limón
The Hunt | Dutch premiere | choreography Robert Battle
Qutb | Dutch premiere | choreography Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
new work | world premiere | choreography Cayetano Soto
In de pers
“Dat Introdans stilstaat bij Operation Market Garden is tekenend voor het Arnhemse gezelschap; de groep staat midden in de regio waaruit het opereert.”
– Trouw
“Qutb van de Vlaams-Marokkaanse Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui is het hoogtepunt van THE BATTLE van Introdans.”
– Theaterkrant
“Wat een klein meesterwerk is dit ballet. Het wordt ook nog eens meesterlijk gedanst.”
– Muziek- en Theaterparadijs ****
“Enorm vaardig is het trio Qutb van Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.”
– NRC
Credits
Choreography Jose Limón, Robert Battle, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Cayetano Soto