Sadler's Wells Spring 2017 Season Brochure by Sadler's Wells Development

Spring / Summer 2017

Contents 01 02 03 04 14 25 26 29 30 36 42 44 48 51 52 54 55

A message from Alistair Spalding Associate Artists and Companies Artists' development Sadler’s Wells Theatre Supporting Young Artists Enjoy More of Sadler’s Wells Calendar How to Book Planning Your Journey Lilian Baylis Studio London International Mime Festival The Peacock Family Shows Sadler's Wells on Tour Talks, Classes and Assisted Performances Patrons' Events Join us

Save 20% when you book two or more shows at the same time Available on all shows displaying this symbol. Discount is automatically added in your online basket. This offer is available until 31 January 2017. Terms and conditions apply: sadlerswells.com/save New ways to save from 1 February 2017 Our ‘Save 20%’ scheme is changing, with new discounts, and new ways of obtaining the discount. For details: sadlerswells.com/save

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Family Friendly Performances and activities with this symbol are suitable for most ages. Age guidance is given for some shows where relevant. Assisted performances: Look for these symbols, or visit sadlerswells.com/ assistedshows BSL Interpreted

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A message from Alistair Spalding Welcome to our Spring/Summer 2017 season. I often say that, at Sadler’s Wells, our commitment is to the artist rather than the work. We commission, produce and collaborate with the most exciting dance makers working today and, rather than one-off backing for a specific production, ours is a longterm investment in their creative ideas and development.

In March, we are presenting Tree of Codes, another Sadler’s Wells co-production. Choreographed by our Associate Artist Wayne McGregor and performed by members of his company alongside Paris Opera Ballet, this bold collaboration features designs by artist Olafur Eliasson and a score by composer and producer Jamie xx.

New Wave Associate Alexander Whitley is one of the talented choreographers we have been supporting for a number of years now. I am delighted that his latest work 8 Minutes, commissioned by Sadler’s Wells, has its world premiere on our main stage in June. Inspired by solar science research, it is the fruit of an innovative partnership with video artist Tal Rosner, composer Daniel Wohl and space scientists from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

We make a point of introducing exciting dance makers to our audiences each year. Tap dance artist Michelle Dorrance is the latest of these new choreographic voices and makes her Sadler’s Wells’ debut with EDM: Double Down in July.

Alongside presenting new artists and choreography, I believe it is important to showcase iconic dance works created within the last 20 years or so that could be defined as Among many new and returning shows ‘contemporary classics’. I believe by our Associate Artists this season International Associate Company are two remarkable works by Crystal Rosas’ Rain — which is returning to Pite — one created with actor and writer our stage in June — definitely belongs Jonathon Young for her own company, to this category. Kidd Pivot, the other choreographed in 2009 for the National Ballet of Thank you for supporting our work Canada and now performed by and helping to make all of this possible. Scottish Ballet as part of a double bill. I hope to see you at Sadler’s Wells soon. We are delighted by the increasing profile and success Crystal has been enjoying in the UK and beyond since we began supporting her in 2013 — including the Outstanding Achievement in Dance award she received at the Oliviers last year for her choreography in A Picture of You Falling, The Tempest Replica Alistair Spalding CBE Artistic Director and Chief Executive and Polaris at Sadler’s Wells. 1

Associate Artists and Companies

Our Associate Artists and Companies are what make Sadler’s Wells the world’s dance house – a creative hub where innovative collaborations and bold ideas are inspired, nurtured and realised.

German choreographer’s Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring). The programme also includes William Forsythe’s seminal In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated and Hans Van Manen’s Adagio Hammerklavier (see page 10).

DESH, Associate Artist Akram Khan’s enthralling one-man show following a man’s journey to his parents’ homeland. At once intimate and epic, this work is a touching and visually stunning masterpiece (see page 22).

An unmissable new collaboration this season is Tree of Codes, a Sadler’s Wells co-production created by Associate Artist Wayne McGregor with multi awardwinning artist Olafur Eliasson and composer and producer Jamie xx (see page 8 for more information).

As part of their 30th anniversary celebrations, our Resident Company New Adventures returns in April with Matthew Bourne’s Early Adventures, a mixed bill featuring four of the inventive, witty and boisterous pieces that launched Bourne’s career in the 1980s (see page 11).

Find out more about the artists and companies we support: sadlerswells.com/artists

We hail the return of two works of brilliant choreographic invention performed by our International Associate Companies. In February, Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch present Masurca Fogo, an exuberant and humour-filled examination of life inspired by Bausch’s travels to Portugal (see page 5). In June, Rosas brings back to our stage Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker’s Rain. Set to Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians, the piece is a rich tapestry of movement driven by patterns, precision and musicality (see page 24).

Also in April, Associate Artist Crystal Pite and actor and playwright Jonathon Young’s moving blend of dance and theatre, Betroffenheit, returns following its acclaimed UK premiere last season (see page 12). Another of Pite’s recent works, Emergence, is performed by Scottish Ballet in their double bill in June (see page 23).

Pina Bausch’s work is also featured in a triple bill by our Associate Company English National Ballet, the only UK company to perform the late 2

Sadler’s Wells’ production m¡longa, Associate Artist Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s exploration and personal synthesis of traditional and contemporary tango, reaches our stage again in May as part of its ongoing international tour (see page 20). Finally, at the end of May we are delighted to welcome back

Behind the Scenes: Supporting Artists

Artists and dance-makers are the lifeblood of Sadler’s Wells and the theatre is at its best when artists and companies are making work within its walls. It’s not surprising then, that our support for artists to help develop their practice is at the heart of what we do. It ensures we can continue to commission, produce and present dance of the highest standard and is how we contribute to the continuing evolution of dance as an art form. The more formal structures for our artist development work include programmes such as National Youth Dance Company, Wild Card, New Wave Associates, Open Art Surgery, and Summer University. Informal support and advice is interwoven throughout, including skills sharing and mentoring, networking opportunities, and artistic and producing advice. Our aim is to support artists in a sustained way at different stages of their career, helping them develop their creative voice and realise the full potential of their artistic vision.

then invited to become one of our first New Wave Associate artists enabling him to set up his own company in 2014, with regular commissioning support from Sadler’s Wells. Alexander’s interests often take him beyond dance: he studied politics, philosophy and economics. His work aims to expand the notion of choreography, particularly in relation to design, architecture and digital technologies.

Artist Focus: Alexander Whitley This season is a key moment for Alexander Whitley, a talented and inquisitive choreographer we have supported since 2010, now creating his first production for Sadler’s Wells main stage inspired by the latest space technology. Alexander has danced internationally with leading companies and after a classical training was soon drawn into the world of contemporary dance, thirsty for more knowledge. This curiosity led him to apply to Sadler’s Wells Summer University, a pioneering initiative aiming to expand dance-makers' perspectives, directed by choreographer Jonathan Burrows. He was

These ambitious ideas have led him to rapidly become a prominent new voice on the UK’s dance scene, with recent commissions from BalletBoyz, Rambert, Candoco and Birmingham Royal Ballet. By continuing our support to Alexander, we want to enable his vision for dance that deals with complex ideas. See it flourish this spring on our stage. See page 21 for details. New Wave Associates are supported the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

Sadler’s Wells Sampled A world of dance in one night

One decade on since Sadler’s Wells first launched Sampled, the much-anticipated event returns with another packed weekend programme to tempt dance novices and aficionados alike. This year’s programme includes performances from some of the most exciting dance companies the world has to offer. Argentinian world champion tango dancers Julia Urruty and Claudio Gonzalez return due to popular demand following stunning performances at Sampled last year. The new generation of flamenco dancers dotdotdot dance return to Sadler’s Wells following their hugely popular Wild Card programme in May 2016. This is the perfect opportunity to sample flamenco ahead of Sadler’s Wells’ annual Flamenco Festival. Contemporary dance is represented by Russell Maliphant Company with 4

Still, performed by Dickson Mbi, The Lowry, Salford and who is famed for his strength Sadler’s Wells. Supported and incredible popping style. by Arts Council England, The piece uses projection to The Movement aims to nurture transform and illuminate the talent and bring large scale fluid motion of the dancer, with dance productions to even lighting by Associate Artist wider audiences. Michael Hulls. Friday 3 & Saturday 4 February Shobana Jeyasingh Dance at 7.30pm perform an extract from their Doors open at 6pm for free reimagining of Marius Petipa’s front of house activities. La Bayadère. This version, £15, £8 ‘proms’ style standing Bayadère – The Ninth Life, Schools Mat at 1pm draws on the original story and £8, £4 ‘proms’ style standing the first visit of Indian dancers to Europe in 1838. Multibuy available on £15 tickets only. Northern Ballet returns to perform an extract of Supported by Casanova, a new full length work coming to Sadler’s Wells in May. The evening is completed by Iron Skulls Co, the Spanish experimental B-boy crew who recently wowed audiences as part 01 Photo: Cameron Slater 02 Photo: Chris Nash of Breakin' Convention '16, performing Sinsetia. Accompanying the stage performances are a host of free front of house activities ranging from demystifying talks to have-a-go dance sessions and video installations designed to inspire and intrigue. Sadler’s Wells Sampled is part of The Movement, a dance producing partnership between Birmingham Hippodrome,

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch Masurca Fogo Thursday 9 - Sunday 12 February The endlessly inventive genius, Pina Bausch, created Masurca Fogo, an absurd and delightful work which takes on the subject of desire and the desperate, achingly human need for love, treated to Bausch’s tongue-firmly-in-cheek wit. Dancers fling themselves down water slides, breathe into microphones, feed watermelon to a live chicken, and cram into a crowded beach hut for a party, but always with “Bausch’s sharp mudlarker’s eye for social ritual” (The Guardian).

Thu - Sat at 7.30pm Sun at 4pm Sadler’s Wells Patrons’ Event: Thu £12 - £60 S

Set to a soundtrack that features a gloriously eclectic mix of k.d. lang, the Balanescu Quartet’s reinvention of German electronic band Kraftwerk, and traditional African and Portuguese music, Masurca Fogo is an upbeat piece of dance theatre with all of Bausch’s trademark ingenuity on display.

Photo: © Zerrin Aydin-Herwegh

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Flamenco Festival London Wednesday 15 - Sunday 26 February

Israel Galván FLA.CO.MEN

Wed 15 & Thu 16 at 7.30pm Israel Galván likes nothing more than pushing boundaries and surprising with a know-how fed by the best Flamenco tradition. In FLA.CO.MEN, he deconstructs syntax again, cleaving the memory of his earlier pieces and captures on-the-fly figures that he charges with a new electricity. “To call Galván a brilliant dancer is like saying Einstein was pretty good at physics” Daily Express

Eva Yerbabuena Apariencias

Fri 17 - Sun 19 at 7.30pm, Sat 18 at 3.30pm Flamenco superstar Eva Yerbabuena is renowned internationally as being one of Spain’s leading dancers. Accompanied by four dancers and her critically acclaimed ensemble of musicians, including African guest singer Alana Sinkëy, she delivers an unforgettable tour de force performance in her brand new show. “She has the kind of artistry that appears once in a generation, if at all” The Independent

Cía. Mercedes Ruiz Déjame que te baile

Tue 21 at 7.30pm Let me dance for you – this is the caption of this night. And Mercedes Ruiz, one of the most renowned Flamenco dancers of Jerez, is being serious: her new piece is a declaration of love to the audience. In Déjame que te baile she tells her own story and glances back on her career which was marked by Flamenco early on. “Mercedes Ruiz, raised the temperature, and spoke about flamenco with a commanding truth and virtuosity” Financial Times

Gala Flamenca 2017 Juana Amaya, Olga Pericet, Jesús Carmona, Rocío Márquez Thu 23 - Sat 25 at 7.30pm, Sat 25 at 3.30pm Gala Flamenca is one of the highlights of each year’s Flamenco Festival, featuring some of the most exciting figures on the flamenco scene: the legendary Gypsy dancer Juana Amaya “is a true goddess of the dance” (ABC), Olga Pericet’s “towering presence and fierce energy” (The Guardian), virtuosic Jesús Carmona, and the shining voice of Rocío Márquez.

Cía. Manuel Liñán Reversible

Sun 26 at 7.30pm Choreographer, director, and multi award-winning dancer Manuel Liñán returns to Sadler’s Wells with an emotional voyage back to the memories and instincts of childhood in Reversible. Framed by children’s games, from jump rope to dressing up, Liñán sets out to discover the core of who we are. “Liñán’s gift is transcendental. He awakens rhythms, images, wildest possibilities of dance, and banishes the predictabilities of sitting in a theatre watching carefully staged flamenco” Financial Times £12 - £42 S

Photo: © Paco Villalta

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Company Wayne McGregor / Paris Opera Ballet Tree of Codes Saturday 4 - Saturday 11 March Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Wayne McGregor’s much anticipated Tree of Codes finally comes to London following huge critical acclaim at Manchester International Festival in 2015. Taking inspiration from Jonathan Safran Foer’s book of the same name, which was physically carved out of the pages of another novel, McGregor and collaborator, award-winning musician and producer Jamie xx weave a tapestry of deconstructed form. 15 dancers, drawn from The Paris Opera Ballet and Company Wayne McGregor explore Olafur Eliasson’s set, which mirrors the sculptural aspects of the book, reflecting the audience’s gaze back at them as he immerses them into his strange world. The piece is co-created by Wayne McGregor, Olafur Eliasson and Jamie xx.

“Extraordinary. Sometimes, five stars is not enough” The Independent

Sat - Fri at 7.30pm Sun at 4pm No perf Mon £12 - £45 Free post-show talk: Sat 4 Sadler’s Wells Patrons’ Event: Tue S

Supported by The Monument Trust Commissioned by Sadler’s Wells, Manchester International Festival, Park Avenue Armory, Paris Opera Ballet, FAENA ART and European Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017 Photo: Ravi Deepres

Sergei Polunin Project Polunin Tuesday 14 - Saturday 18 March

Tue - Sat at 7.30pm Sat at 2.30pm

Ukrainian ballet prodigy Sergei Polunin trained at The Royal Ballet School before joining The Royal Ballet, where he rapidly rose through the ranks, becoming their youngest principal ever.

£12 - £60

After leaving in 2012, Polunin gained international stardom from his collaboration with photographer David LaChapelle, performing to Hozier’s Take Me to Church, and featuring in the biographical film Dancer.

Programme details to be announced soon: sadlerswells.com

Drawing together world-class artists for this brand new production, Project Polunin aims to challenge perceptions of dance through live performance, and act as a catalyst for a new generation to explore what the future may hold.

“Without question, the most naturally gifted male ballet dancer of his generation” The Observer

Photo: © David LaChapelle

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

English National Ballet Pina Bausch / William Forsythe / Hans van Manen Thursday 23 March - Saturday 1 April Sadler’s Wells Associate Company English National Ballet is back with another triple bill of masterpieces from the 20th century. 26 dancers confront each other on a stage covered in soil in Pina Bausch’s Le Sacre Du Printemps (The Rite of Spring). Not seen in the UK since 2008, English National Ballet is the first UK company to be allowed to perform this iconic work.

Tue - Sat at 7.30pm Sun at 4pm No perf Mon £12 - £55 Sadler’s Wells Patrons’ Event: Thu 23 S

William Forsythe famously changed ballet forever with In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, allowing the dancers to show off their technical expertise and physical prowess. Hans van Manen’s austere and lyrical Adagio Hammerklavier is set to Beethoven’s pensive piano Sonata No 29, Op 106, performed by three couples.

Photo: Ulli Weiss. Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch performing Le Sacre du Printemps © Pina Bausch Foundation

New Adventures Matthew Bourne’s Early Adventures Monday 3 - Saturday 8 April Matthew Bourne returns to his roots for his company’s 30th anniversary, featuring a programme of fun and witty pieces that launched his career, with designs by long-time collaborator Lez Brotherston. Four mail-order-underwear models parody Perrot’s Pas De Quatre in Spitfire. Yearning pas de deuxs and pastoral clog-dances feature in Town and Country’s post-war vignettes.

Mon - Sat at 7.30pm Sat at 2.30pm £12 - £45 Age guidance 12+ Contains some adult humour S

Programme varies. For details: sadlerswells.com

Take a trip to Gay Paree with The Infernal Gallop, as all the glorious clichés of 30s and 40s Paris are paraded (and can-canned) across the stage. And return to childhood with Watch with Mother, inspired by Joyce Grenfell’s Nursery School sketches.

“A rare treat. Bourne’s wit and flair are in full play” Sunday Times Photo: Roy Tan

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Crystal Pite and Jonathon Young Betroffenheit Tuesday 11 & Wednesday 12 April

Tue & Wed at 7.30pm

Tragedy is laid bare on the stage in the critically acclaimed Betroffenheit – a word which describes the overwhelming feeling of shock and torment in the wake of disaster.

£12 - £27

Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Crystal Pite and actorplaywright Jonathon Young join forces to examine the aftermath of Young’s personal tragedy, exploring what happens to a person after experiencing the all-too imaginable, and creating an “inspiring dance theatre hybrid” (The Observer) stark with unflinching honesty.

Pre-show Director’s Conversation: Wed at 6pm £4 S

Supported by The Monument Trust

Choreographed to the rhythm of Young’s words, the trauma of loss and the long road to recovery are uncovered through comedy and drama, poetry and movement. The piece is co-created by Kidd Pivot and Electric Company Theatre.

“Raw and riveting” The Guardian Photo: Wendy D

Breakin’ Convention ‘17 International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 April Breakin’ Convention, the world’s biggest festival of hip hop dance, is back at Sadler’s Wells for its 14th year running. Curated and hosted by UK hip hop pioneer Jonzi D, this is an awe inspiring weekend of exceptional performances, from world champion B-boy crews to cutting edge street dance companies, showcasing the best from around the world and around the corner. There’s too much going on to be contained on stage. Find dance workshops, graffiti, DJs and freestyle sessions spilling out all over the building. It’s an unforgettable experience for all the family.

Sat & Sun at 6pm Doors open at 4pm £24 seated £15 standing Both shows are co-compered by a BSL-interpreter S FF

Under 5s admitted

“It’s a platform for big personalities and amazing moves” The Independent

Photo: Paul Hampartsoumian

Supporting Young Artists

In 2013, Sadler’s Wells gained the chance to run the first ever National Youth Dance Company. The company aims to draw together the brightest dance talent from across England to create and perform innovative dance, working with Sadler’s Wells’ internationally renowned Associate Artists and visiting companies. It is a diverse and inclusive company that encourages dancers from a range of social backgrounds, styles and experiences.

Sadler’s Wells is deeply passionate about developing dance and ensuring that young people who want “This show is about the next to become dancers and generation of dancers. Judging choreographers are given by their dedication and the every opportunity to thrive. For this reason, it has supported intensity of this performance, and created several opportunities they are skilful, strong and ready for anything”. Rachel and initiatives for young Ward, The Telegraph, on Frame[d] people to excel and learn.

For their world premiere performance in 2017, the company will be working with choreographer Damien Jalet. The French/Belgian choreographer has created work with leading lights in the creative industries including performance artist Marina Abramović and fashion designer Hussein Chalayan. He is known for his work with Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, whose joint choreography landed them an Olivier Award for their production Babel (words) in 2011. This brand new commission will see Jalet and the 40-strong company of dancers create a unique piece of dance theatre 01

which addresses themes of melancholia, ritual, control and abandon. Jalet’s revered choreographic style combined with the young dancers’ energy and raw talent will produce a mesmerising experience that shifts the consciousness of the audience. Following the success of the first ever BBC Young Dancer, the Grand Final returns to Sadler's Wells. The winners of the four categories: ballet, contemporary, South Asian dance and street dance, together with at least one wildcard, will dance in front of a panel of judges including Marc Brew, Kevin O'Hare, Kate Prince, Nahid Siddiqui, Kenneth Tharp and Jasmin Vardimon. Each finalist will perform three pieces, including new work made by some of the best emerging choreographers. The Grand Final of BBC Young Dancer 2017 will be broadcast live on BBC Two. Sadler’s Wells also offers development opportunities 02

to young hip hop performers through its international festival of hip hop dance theatre Breakin’ Convention. Every year, the festival offers 13 to 16 year olds the chance to star in their own music video in a workshop programme called Future Elements. The project offers aspiring young dancers, film makers, MCs, aerosol artists, music producers, costume designers and set designers the chance to work with inspirational

professional hip hop artists including Breakin’ Convention’s Artistic Director and UK hip hop legend Jonzi D. The week long project is run in half term and culminates in a public screening, with the films then uploaded to Breakin’ Convention’s YouTube channel, BCTV. To hear more about our opportunities for young people, follow on Twitter @SadlersLearning and Breakin’ Convention @bconvention National Youth Dance Company Wednesday 19 April £12 (£6 concs)*

BBC YOUNG DANCER Saturday 22 April Full booking information: sadlerswells.com

* Concessions available for Access members, students, under 18s and over 60s 01 NYDC Vertical Road Photo: Tony Nandi 02 Connor Scott, Winner of BBC Young Dancer 2015 03 NYDC In Between Photo : Tony Nandi

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

James Thierrée / Compagnie du Hanneton The Toad Knew Wednesday 3 - Sunday 7 May Step into the beautifully weird world of multi-talented performer and director James Thierrée. Following Tabac Rouge in 2014, Thierrée returns with his latest critically acclaimed creation, featuring a seamless mix of mechanical marvels, music, surreal humour and acrobatic finesse. Six characters emerge in a strange fairy-tale lair. A woman transforms into a lizard, a piano plays itself, and plates magically appear and disappear. In the middle of it all Thierrée works his magic with the aid of a squat servant, only to have it undone by a man beast, and aerialist Thi Mai Nguyen and contortionist Valérie Doucet spin their tricks.

Wed - Sat at 7.30pm Sun at 4pm £12 - £38 Free post-show talk: Thu 4 Sun at 4pm Touch Tour at 2pm S

Supported by The Monument Trust

“A spellbinding mix of ravishing visuals, seductive music and breathtaking acrobatics” The Guardian

Photo: Richard Haughton

Northern Ballet Casanova Tuesday 9 - Saturday 13 May After a string of sell-out successes, including the South Bank Sky Arts Dance Award winning 1984, Northern Ballet returns with the sensational true story of the notorious lover Casanova. Steeped in 18th century decadence, Kenneth Tindall’s first fulllength ballet is a riot of intrigue and seduction. Based on playwright and author Ian Kelly’s 2008 biography of Casanova, Northern Ballet unmasks the man who still manages to thrill us today.

Tue - Sat at 7.30pm Thu & Sat at 2.30pm £12 - £45 Sat at 2.30pm Insight workshop at 12pm Touch Tour at 12.45pm Age guidance: 12+ S

With a custom score from Kerry Muzzey, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, and designs from the Tony and Olivier award winning Christopher Oram, prepare to be led into temptation.

“Be the flame, not the moth” Giacomo Casanova

Photo: Guy Farrow

In Focus: Boris Charmatz French dancer, choreographer and agitateur Boris Charmatz holds a special place in the development of contemporary dance today. Ballet trained at The Paris Opera and an accomplished dancer, he soon decided to take a different path, creating his own projects and then starting the groundbreaking Musée de la danse in 2009. Charmatz re-framed the concept of a national choreographic centre into a new type of dance museum that would host, initiate and invite a new relationship to dance, to the audience and to theatre. His work is remarkable in its clever disregard of expectations, inviting us to deal with the complexities of our human experience in unexpected ways. 18

Sadler’s Wells first presented the work of Boris Charmatz in 2014 with enfant, an endearing yet disturbing piece with a large cast of children who were carried by cranes in a spectacular visual set-up questioning our relationship to children. In 2015, we presented two of Charmatz’s works in collaboration with Tate Modern. Aatt enen tionon saw three dancers on a three-level podium inviting, quite literally, a different perspective. That same year manger had dancers eating rice paper in an extended ritual of singing, eating and dancing which was both bewildering and strangely watchable. This spring we go with him to the edge of the city, after

dark, to a place where dance does not usually dare go. Six dancers are moved by a palpable sense of urgency: what are they doing there? They seem to have a lot to say, as text comes out of them fast. Made after the Paris terrorist attacks of 2015, this new work meshes with the city itself. Like playing truant after hours when we should be safely at home, this is an invitation to not play it safe. danse de nuit, Wed 17 - Sat 20 May at 9.30pm Location to be announced £20 (£15 concs) For full information: sadlerswells.com/ borischarmatz Supported by The Monument Trust © Louis Theillier

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Rambert Ghost Dances and other works Tuesday 16 - Saturday 20 May One of Rambert’s most celebrated works returns to Sadler’s Wells for the first time in 14 years. Ghost dancers stalk the stage in Christopher Bruce’s masterpiece, created as a tribute to victims of oppression in South America. Day of the Dead celebrations and Latin American folk music drive dances full of joy, sadness and compassion. Also in this triple bill, Didy Veldman reveals the tale of passion and betrayal behind one of Picasso’s greatest paintings in The 3 Dancers. A new work by Aletta Collins to Arturo Márquez’s pulsating Danzones completes a programme of Latin-flavoured live music and virtuoso dancing.

Tue - Sat at 7.30pm £12 - £40

Sat Mat at 2.30pm A shorter programme, with a special introduction £8 - £20 Family ticket for Sat Mat: £40 (Four tickets incl at least one under 16) Sign language interpreted show: Wed Free pre-show talks: with Artistic Director Mark Baldwin: Wed at 6.30pm with Music Director Paul Hoskins: Fri at 6.30pm Schools Mat: Thu at 1.30pm Photo: © Anthony Crickmay

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui m¡longa Monday 22 – Wednesday 24 May

Mon - Wed at 7.30pm

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s interpretation of tango returns to Sadler’s Wells after its triumphant debut in 2013 and a world tour. Inspired by the late night milonga scene found in the intimate bars of Buenos Aires, Associate Artist Cherkaoui unites tango and contemporary dancers with live musicians in a unique collaboration which adds a contemporary twist to the Argentinian dance known for its seductive powers.

£12 - £38

With an incredibly talented cast of 17 performers, including an onstage band, m¡longa plays with the art form, making for a seductive and fascinating exploration of tango for the 21st century.

Free post-show dance class: Tue Dance Consortium presents a Sadler’s Wells production S

Supported by The Monument Trust

“A very beautiful show indeed” The Daily Telegraph

Photo: Tristram Kenton

Alexander Whitley Dance Company 8 Minutes WORLD PREMIERE Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 June

Tue & Wed at 7.30pm

Following on from his innovative digital work Pattern Recognition, Sadler’s Wells New Wave Associate Alexander Whitley takes on the breathtaking scale of space for his company’s main stage debut.

£20

Working in partnership with the scientists from STFC RAL Space at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, 8 Minutes draws inspiration from the images and data of solar science research to explore the spectacular forces at work in the universe and illuminate our relationship with the star that gives us life. With a specially created score by the electroacoustic music innovator Daniel Wohl and an installation of high-definition imagery from visual artist Tal Rosner, 8 Minutes creates a striking, immersive environment of dance, music and film.

Post-show talk: Tue Sadler’s Wells Patrons’ Event: Tue S

Supported by The Monument Trust Sadler’s Wells New Wave Associates programme is supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

“A mercurial imagination” The Financial Times on Pattern Recognition

Photo: Johan Persson, design Joe Walkling

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Akram Khan Company DESH Wednesday 31 May - Saturday 3 June

Wed - Sat at 7.30pm

In a much anticipated return, Akram Khan performs in his hugely popular tale of home and heritage, which first opened in 2011 to unanimous praise from the critics.

£12 - £45

Inspired by his parents’ birthplace, DESH (Bengali for ‘homeland’) weaves together stories that span both Britain and Bangladesh to create a surreal world of myth and memory. To create this very personal solo piece, Khan brought together a team of collaborators of extraordinary proportions, joining forces with Oscar-winning visual artist Tim Yip, Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist and award-winning lighting designer Michael Hulls, Olivier Award-winning composer Jocelyn Pook, writer and poet Karthika Naïr, and slam poet PolarBear.

Sat at 7.30pm Touch Tour at 6pm S

Supported by The Monument Trust

“His best show yet: poignant, thrilling, magical, moving and utterly transfixing” The Daily Telegraph

Photo: © Richard Haughton

Scottish Ballet MC 14/22 (Ceci est mon corps) / Emergence Wednesday 7 - Saturday 10 June

Wed - Sat at 7.30pm

Scotland’s national ballet company returns with a double bill of two radically different, but equally powerful works.

£12 - £44

Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Crystal Pite “one of the world’s most vital dance-makers” (The Times) transforms the 38-strong corps de ballet into a swarming horde of insects for Emergence – a journey into a subterranean hive where classical ballet transforms into strange insect-like behaviour.

Sadler’s Wells Patrons’ Event: Wed Free pre and post-show talks: Fri Age guidance: 16+

Angelin Preljocaj’s MC 14/22 (Ceci est mon corps) is a hymn to the male body. Preljocaj evokes biblical imagery through the 12 male dancers who surrender to both tender care and wretched cruelty in this glorification of masculinity.

“Scottish Ballet has reached new heights with this double bill” The Stage

Photo: Andy Ross

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker / Rosas Rain Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 June

Tue & Wed at 7.30pm

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker’s world-renowned company Rosas returns as part of our contemporary classics series, with her iconic piece, Rain.

£20

Known for her appreciation of mathematical structure and the geometric use of space, De Keersmaeker pushes these concepts to their limits to form a deceptively simple piece, using layers repetition and variation. Each of the 10 dancers plays a distinct role in their close group, before giving in to the power of the collective with an exuberant and playful camaraderie.

Supported by The Monument Trust

Set to Steve Reich’s masterpiece, the minimalist Music for 18 Musicians, which is inspired by breath rhythms.

“Simply to watch the collective patterns set in motion by the dancers is entrancing” The Guardian

Photo: Anne Van Aerschot

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Keep in touch

Sadler’s Wells and The Peacock Bars To make the most of your interval, pre-order your drinks at any bar. Choose from wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks, and also sandwiches, snacks, tea and coffee. Bars open one hour before the performance.

Fox Garden Court Café Enjoy fresh salads, hot and cold dishes, drinks and cakes cooked in our kitchen. Open from 8.30am until 7.30pm on performance days, and during intervals for Lilian Baylis Studio performances.

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Venue hire Whether you are hosting a private or corporate event, Sadler’s Wells offers a magical venue that will inspire and impress. For more information, contact our Events team at events@sadlerswells.com or 020 7863 8065.

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Enjoy 100s of exclusive videos, including artist profiles, show trailers, 60 second guides, and more on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/sadlerswells

Discover our blogs, for breaking news on our productions in the UK and overseas: blog.sadlerswells.com sadlerswellsontour.com

How to Book

Members Booking

Concessions

Online at sadlerswells.com

For those who are pressed for time, or who have a preferred seat location, we recommend joining our Membership schemes. These schemes support the organisation and enable us to present, commission, produce and tour more of the best dance from across the world.

Disabled Persons: For members of our Access Scheme a limited number of half-price seats are available. For more information, visit sadlerswells.com/access

Telephone 020 7863 8000 In Person: Sadler’s Wells Ticket Office, Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1: 10am - 8pm, Monday – Saturday. The Peacock Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, London, WC2: Please call 020 7863 8222 for specific opening times. Transaction Charge: £3 for telephone bookings, £1.95 for concessionary and online bookings. No charge when booking in person. Print your tickets at home Show tickets booked online can now be printed at home for your convenience. Choose ‘print at home’ option when purchasing tickets. Under 5s: Please note, children under the age of 5 are not permitted into performances unless indicated on the show information pages. Further age limits may apply on certain shows, please check with Ticket Office. For more information: sadlerswells.com/under5s Exchanges: Tickets may be exchanged to future performances or a credit note issued in lieu (valid for two years from the date of issue) if returned at least 24 hours before the scheduled performance time. A £2 per ticket booking amendment fee applies (maximum £6 per booking). Refunds are not permitted except where the performance has been cancelled. For more information, and full terms and conditions, visit: sadlerswells.com/terms.

Rehearsal Members Avoid the phone queues via the Members Booking Line. Patrons Access the best seats for otherwise sold out shows through a dedicated booking service. To become a Rehearsal Member or Patron, visit page 52 of this brochure or sadlerswells. com/support-us Sadler's Wells is fortunate to have a community of individual supporters whose donations support our work both on stage and off. Their generosity enables us to produce and present more of the dance they love.

How to Save Save 20% when you book two or more shows at the same time. Available on all shows displaying this symbol. Discount is automatically added in your online basket. This offer is available until 31 January 2017. Terms and conditions apply: sadlerswells.com/save

Groups For adult groups of 8 or more*: 20% off stalls seats, must be booked at the same time. (May exclude Fri and Sat evening performances. Some shows may be subject to different group rates). For more details, including exchanges policy: sadlerswells.com/groups Schools and college groups of 10+*: £12 rear stalls seats, 1 teacher free per 10 pupils, at Schools Discount Performances Under 18s only. sadlerswells.com/schoolvisits

Students, unwaged, over 65s*: A limited number of £8 seats in Sadler’s Wells rear 2nd circle or Peacock Theatre rear stalls for most performances. Tickets will be held at Ticket Office. Proof of eligibility must be shown, otherwise the full price will be charged. A maximum of 2 tickets per person, per event. Standby tickets*: From £17.50 to £25 for students, unwaged people, BECTU, MU and Equity cardholders, under 16s and over 65s. Cash or card payment only. Available in person only from 1 hour before the performance. 1 ticket per person, requires proof of status. *Not available online All discounts are subject to availability and cannot be used retrospectively or in conjunction with any other offers or concessions. Discounts do not apply to Lilian Baylis Studio unless indicated.

Planning Your Journey

Sadler’s Wells Bus 19, 38 & 341 stop outside Sadler’s Wells.

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When attending performances at Sadler’s Wells or Lilian Baylis Studio, a private wide bay car park is available for patrons with disabilities (free), or over 65s (£5). Book in advance at Ticket Office.

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Richard Alston Dance Company Tangent / Chacony / Gypsy Mixture Friday 16 & Saturday 17 June

Fri & Sat at 7.30pm

Richard Alston’s newest creation comes to Sadler’s Wells as part of a triple bill. Chacony is inspired by the richness and nobility of Henry Purcell’s slow and weighty Baroque Chaconne, and Britten’s tribute to it. This extraordinary music will be played by an onstage string quartet.

£12 - £38 S

Martin Lawrance’s Tangent intertwines four couples as they attack the tango, accompanied by Piazzolla Estaciones Porteños, played live by Jason Ridgway on piano. Alston’s hugely popular Gypsy Mixture, revived for the first time in a decade, brings with it a 21st century take on traditional Balkan folk music.

“Alston’s versatile, athletic company are a knockout” Sunday Times

Photo: Chris Nash

Elixir Festival 2017 A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

“The Elixir Festival celebrates not just older dancers, but dancers moving well into their seventies and eighties. It challenges all our preconceptions about what dancers should look like and asks us to examine movement in new ways, to open our eyes and hearts to different pulses and inflections in dance itself.” Daily Telegraph Established in 2014, The Elixir Festival is a unique celebration of lifelong creativity and the contribution of older artists. It was set up to recognise the contribution that older artists make, challenge assumptions about what older people can and want to do, throw a spotlight on the diversity of dance practice and raise questions about what is next for the art form.

In its inaugural year, the festival Bannerman, Brian Bertscher, provided 2,500 people with Anne Donnelly, Linda Gibbs, the opportunity to experience Lizie Saunderson, Betsy older people dancing live Gregory, Geraldine Morris, and saw 500 older performers Namron and Kenneth Tharp, grace its stages. In KnowBody, who will perform a new piece. internationally renowned older artists came together to The main stage production perform new commissions will be complemented by and existing work before only a performance programme performed by younger dancers. in the Lilian Baylis Studio which will feature work by For its return in 2017, the older dancers from across festival will once again present the UK and abroad, reflecting KnowBody II on Sadler’s Wells’ the diversity of approach and main stage, featuring responding to the fast-growing performances by Mats Ek and interest in performance Ana Laguna along with new work for mature artists. commissions performed by There will also be an Art of Dominique and Thusnelda Age Conference, with artists Mercy and Nahid Siddiqui. and leaders in culture, health It will also see the much and performance research. anticipated return of the This year’s festival is part group of former professional of DANCE ON, PASS ON, dancers who performed DREAM ON, which is supported The Elders Project: Christopher by Creative Europe. “It’s an excellent initiative, which should serve to show the wider audience what older people can do, to change the perception of older people” Elixir Participant, 2014 To find out more about the festival and to see the full line up of events, please visit sadlerswells.com/elixir17 Supported by The Baring Foundation KnowBody Photo: Tony Nandi

Sadler’s Sadler’s Wells Wells Theatre Theatre

Alain Platel - les ballets C de la B nicht schlafen Friday 30 June & Saturday 1 July

Fri & Sat at 7.30pm

The unclassifiable Alain Platel returns with nine dancers from his critically acclaimed contemporary ensemble les ballets C de la B, for the dark and moving nicht schlafen. Inspired by the music of Gustav Mahler and the time the composer lived in, Platel draws parallels between the music and the troubled early years of the 20th century in Europe.

£20 S

Platel’s regular collaborator, Steven Prengels, uses African polyphonic chants, cowbells and the sounds of sleeping animals to create a surprising soundscape, and visual artist Berlinde De Bruyckere sculpts the startling image of the bodies of dead horses, piled up in a jumbled heap. This is a dance of life and death.

“One of the most influential dance theatre companies in the world” The Guardian

Photo: Chris Van der Burght

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Sisters Grimm Voices of the Amazon Tuesday 4 - Saturday 8 July Following the Grammy Award nominated success of INALA, a Zulu ballet performed with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sisters Grimm return with the tale of a water spirit from the Amazon River, who ventures deep into the rainforest in search of a cure for her dying sister. She soon finds that the forest is not as abundant as it was.

Tue - Sat at 7.30pm Sat at 2.30pm £12 - £38 S

Award-winning American choreographer Helen Pickett, who has worked with the likes of Scottish Ballet and Royal Ballet of Flanders, fuses ballet, contemporary dance and capoeira with a lush musical score born of a collaboration with Brazilian songwriters and world-renowned percussionists, Olodum.

“A show that enchants as much as it impresses” The Telegraph on INALA

Photo: Giulietta Verdon-Roe

Dorrance Dance ETM: Double Down Wednesday 12 - Saturday 15 July

Wed - Sat at 7.30pm

Michelle Dorrance brings tap into the age of electronic music with collaborator Nicholas Van Young. Tap has always been a way of talking to the stage, now with Van Young’s electronic tap boards, the stage is able to talk back, as every step, swipe, and scrape sets off an element of sound, building musical loops, turning the stage into a musical instrument in its own right.

£12 - £45 S

With Afro-Brazilian, indie-pop, and even a bit of Adele triggered by the eight dancers’ fabulous footwork, ETM: Double Down takes the first American dance form to a new level.

“A fresh and innovative show” New York Times

Photo: Hayim Heron

Lilian Baylis Studio Back to Baylis

If you have been to Sadler’s Wells before you’ll know the name Lilian Baylis. The formidable 1930s producer now shares her name with our 200 seat studio, as testimony to her incredible legacy. She was the driving force behind The Old Vic, and together with Ninette de Valois, Baylis enabled the creation of The Royal Ballet, English National Opera and Birmingham Royal Ballet. She was driven by social values, a desire to make theatre accessible and enable women to take the lead. This political conscience at the heart of her vision still rings true today. The work presented in the studio asks strong questions and opens up space to reassess what matters today. For some artists, this emphasis is the core of their work. Project O overtly puts the female body and the experience of race at the forefront of Voodoo, while with Shubbak Festival, we introduce to London the work of Mithkal Alzgair, a Syrian refugee dancer in France with a programme titled Displacement. 36

The echoes of early feminism from Baylis have endured too, with Nora's distinctive female perspective and an evening of female warriors in Ella Mesma’s Wild Card — a series which gives artists the chance to curate their own evening. Before that, the first Wild Card of the season is curated by Dan Daw, who will question our usual value hierarchies. When the now acclaimed Akram Khan delved into his own identity with seminal productions such as zero degrees he inspired a new generation of artists to follow their own paths. This season Jose Agudo launches his new company, and Aakash Odedra presents a double bill of solo works. A newcomer to London is ŻfinMalta, the national company of Malta, led by the remarkable Mavin Khoo, who will be giving a much awaited performance himself.

Marc Brew and Stopgap will return to the studio with two new works, and while Adam Linder is no stranger to London, there is a rare chance to see his provocative stage work in AUTO FICTO REFLEXO. Challenging ideas about dance as well as society, this season would no doubt make Lilian Baylis proud. Come and find out for yourself. The Enormous Room, Silk Road, Voodoo and Nora invites Aggiss, Burrows, Fargion and Tanguy, are co-commissioned by Sadler’s Wells. For the latest production listings: sadlerswells.com/ lilianbaylisstudio

Lilian Baylis Studio

ŻfinMalta Dance Ensemble From home with love: a double bill of new work

Stopgap Dance Company The Enormous Room

Aakash Odedra Company Echoes and I Imagine

Thursday 9 & Friday 10 February

Thursday 2 & Friday 3 March

Thursday 9 & Friday 10 March

Thu & Fri at 8pm £17 Free post-show talk: Thu

Thu & Fri at 8pm £17 ( £8.50 concs)* Free post-show talk: Thu

Thu & Fri at 8pm £17 Free post-show talk: Thu

The national company of Malta comes to the UK for the first time. Led by international dance artist Mavin Khoo, who has collaborated and danced with choreographers including Akram Khan and Wayne McGregor, they seduce us with Kick the Bucket, an intricate duet by choreographer Iván Pérez, and then ask us who we are in the theatrical satire Home.

Stopgap Dance Company creates exhilarating dance productions with disabled and non-disabled dancers. After a string of sell-out successes they return with a new work. Featuring the acclaimed disabled dancer David Toole and depicted through a David Lynch-esque filmic style, The Enormous Room portrays a relationship between a father and a daughter who are trying to deal with grief.

Aakash Odedra loves to tell stories. In this programme, he does so with two contrasting solos in an evening of theatre and Kathak dance. Choreographed by Kathak icon Aditi Mangaldas, Echoes is a feast for the eyes, inviting us to consider our relationship with our ancestors. In I Imagine, Aakash delves into comedy and theatre in a playful collaboration with awardwinning poet Sabrina Mahfouz.

“Extremely well balanced and elegant to watch” Times of Malta Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

“Aakash Odera is a beautiful dancer” The Guardian

* Concessions available for Access members, students, under 18s and over 60s

Lilian Baylis Studio

Adam Linder AUTO FICTO REFLEXO

Wild Card: Dan Daw

Wednesday 15 - Friday 17 March

Thursday 30 & Friday 31 March

UK PREMIERE Wed - Fri at 8pm £17 Free post-show talk: Wed

Thu at 8pm Fri at 8pm £17

AUTO FICTO REFLEXO is a sophisticated duet playing with the conventions of communication through text, movement and sound. Formats like the press release become generators of a multi-layered dance, drawing from social dances and mundane movements such as paddy-cake. Adam Linder originally from Australia, has worked with Michael Clark and The Royal Ballet and makes work for the stage and for visual art spaces.

“Linder’s abstractions tend to be sexy and mysteriously meta’’ LA Weekly

Photo: Sarah Bonn

Wild Card is a chance to see work by a new generation of dance makers curating a series of special evenings. Dance maker and performer Dan Daw is interested in collaboration and the potential for dance to transcend expectations. Dan’s approach supports that both ‘success’ and ‘failure’ are equally fascinating. Alongside other artists, Dan performs the UK premiere of ON ONE CONDITION, a stripped back, affecting solo by Graham Adey, looking at struggle, belonging, comfort, need and home.

“On One Condition etches itself into the consciousness through its artistic power” Dance Magazine Sweden

Marc Brew Company BREWBAND

Agudo Dance Company Silk Road

Tuesday 25 April

Thursday 4 & Friday 5 May

Tue at 8pm £17 (£8.50 concs)*

WORLD PREMIERE Thu & Fri at 8pm £17 Free post-show talk: Thu

BREWBAND, Scotland’s new super band, blurs boundaries and challenges people’s perceptions of identity. Created by award-winning disabled choreographer Marc Brew, this inclusive show brings together top Scottish rock artists Graeme Smillie, Jill O’Sullivan and Peter Kelly with talented dancers and musicians Martyn Garside, Marta Masiero and Alice Sheppard for a promenade style show which is as much music gig as dance performance.

“Bursting with exciting choreography” The Scotsman on Exalt

Seasoned performer and choreographer Jose Agudo, who has worked with Shobana Jeyasingh and Akram Khan, launches his company with an evening of specially commissioned works. Silk Road is both a universal and a personal story of East meets West in the 21st century. In collaboration with the renowned classical Indian dancer Mavin Khoo, Agudo weaves his flamenco roots with a unique, contemporary style.

“An eclectic mix of influences that is bearing fruit in the style of their own work” The Metro

*Concessions available for Access members, students, under 18s and over 60s

Lilian Baylis Studio

Project O Voodoo

Nora Nora invites Aggiss, Burrows, Fargion and Tanguy

Friday 12 May

Thursday 1 & Friday 2 June

UK PREMIERE In their latest work, the thought-provoking duo Project O revisit how dance can explore, heal and challenge the violence and oppression that haunts our society. In a clash of tongues, colours, continents and histories, two brown women dance away from the desire for assimilation, mapping the gaps in unwritten histories.

Thu & Fri at 8pm £17 Contains some strong language Free post-show talk: Thu

Voodoo is an 8 hour durational work in 2 hour sequences. Tickets will be on sale in January 2017. To register interest: sadlerswells.com

“The ghost of past persecution, present realities and future possibilities”

Dancers Eleanor Sikorski and Flora Wellesley Wesley, AKA Nora, return with their bold programme of duets by renowned choreographers Jonathan Burrows and Matteo Fargion, Simon Tanguy and Liz Aggiss. Eleanor And Flora Music overflows with free-ranging, rhythmical dancing whilst Digging slips between road trips, plant biology and sexual desire, and BLOODY NORA! concludes with a riot of hormones.

“They are intellectually curious, funny and rude, possessed of chameleon stage talents and a taste for risk”

Total Theatre

The Guardian

Photo: Katarzyna Perlak Image: Jack Barraclough

Photo: Camilla Greenwell

Wild Card: Ella Mesma Guerreras

Shubbak Mithkal Alzghair Displacement

Thursday 8 June

Thursday 6 & Friday 7 July

Thu at 8pm £17

UK PREMIERE Tues & Fri at 8pm £17 Free post-show talk: Thu

Wild Card is a chance to see work by a new generation of dance makers curating a series of special evenings. At the crossroads of hip hop, latin and theatre, the multi-faceted dancer and choreographer Ella Mesma curates Guerreras ('Female warriors' in Spanish), an evening focusing on the female perspective and the tempestuous history of the latin dance style, rumba. Guest artists will perform alongside extracts from Mesma’s latest production Ladylike.

“Unabashedly emotional” The Guardian on Ella Mesma Company

Sadler’s Wells partners with Shubbak, London’s largest biennial festival of contemporary Arab culture, to introduce the poignant work of Syrian dancer and choreographer Mithkal Alzghair. In a double bill evening, he draws attention to the human being amidst the complexities of migration and war. Deconstructing Syrian traditional dances, he brings to the surface the paradox of a deeply rooted culture and its current experience of displacement.

“This solo isn’t a documentary on the Syrian war. It touches on the fundamental question of what it is to be human” Mouvement

Photo: Nicola Hunter

The Lilian Baylis Studio — London International Mime Festival

Mossoux Bonté Whispers

Joli Vyann Imbalance

Thursday 12 - Saturday 14 January

Monday 16 - Thursday 19 January

Thu - Sat at 8pm £20 (£12 concs*) Free post-show talk: Fri Age guidance: 16+

Mon - Thu at 8pm £20 (£12 concs)* Free post-show talk: Wed Age guidance: 8+

Inspired by an image from a Vermeer painting, the award-winning Belgian dancetheatre company, Mossoux Bonté unearths a disconcerting world filled with muffled sounds and restless phantoms.

Joli Vyann works in the space between circus and dance, fusing acrobalance and contemporary dance.

Ambiguity and doubt take over as a woman, alone and shrouded in shadows, suffers under the controlling influence of mysterious forces… or is she the one responsible for these disquieting surroundings? Perhaps she’s not even alone…

"Mossoux knows how to generate wonder and stupefaction" Danser

A hit at the Edinburgh Fringe, Imbalance choreographer Jonathan Lunn turns the glowing screens in our hands around to spotlight our obsessive relationship with technology. With sound design by Dougie Evans, performers Jan Patzke and Olivia Quayle fight to keep their balance in a world of pokes and push notifications.

"Pushes aside the boundaries between acrobatics and dance" The Guardian *Concessions available for Over 65s, Under 16s, Students and Unwaged

*Concessions available for Over 65s, Students and Unwaged

The Peacock — London International Mime Festival

Gandini Juggling Smashed: Special Edition

Familie Flöz Teatro Delusio

Monday 9 & Tuesday 10 January

Thursday 12 - Sunday 15 January

Mon & Tue at 7.30pm Free post-show talk: Mon £15 - £29 Age guidance: 7+

Thu - Sat at 7.30pm Sun at 2.30pm Free post-show talk: Thu £15 - £29 Age guidance: 7+

The forbidden fruit gets its comeuppance in Gandini Juggling’s cult hit Smashed. In this special edition, 17 performers disrupt the constellations of flying fruit and celebrate the ‘drop’. As the apples come tumbling down, so do the rigid conventions of etiquette, dress and body language. Inspired by the work of Pina Bausch, this thrilling show explores conflict, lost love and afternoon tea.

“Glorious. When it comes to juggling, the Gandinis pip everyone else” The Guardian

Sneak a glimpse of the real drama going on backstage as three stagehands at an Italian opera house are brought to life by the mask theatre masters of Berlin. All the secret fantasies usually hidden behind the scenery are thrown into the spotlight, with hilarious results. With three actors playing some thirty different characters all without saying a single word, Teatro Delusio is “pure theatrical magic” (The Stage).

"Theatrical triumph without compare" The Times

The Peacock A world of entertainment in the heart of London

As ever, this season at The Peacock we find the most eclectic and entertaining shows from across the globe. This year we have international companies travelling from as far as Africa and Asia, along with artists hailing from the vibrant cities of Buenos Aires and Berlin. The London International Mime Festival opens its 40th anniversary year with a special edition of Gandini Juggling’s Smashed. Inspired by the work of Pina Bausch (if you’d like to know more about that company, see page 5 for Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina

Bausch) this new version features more performers, more apples, and even more broken crockery than the original. Then we are once again presenting Familie Flöz, who come from this year’s Edinburgh Festival with their show Teatro Delusio. The Yamato Drummers of Japan are returning to London after an absence of nine years with their new show, The Challengers and from Africa we present a joyful and energetic music and circus show, Khayelitsha. From here in the UK we are showcasing the physical theatre and

acrobatic talent of the long established Motionhouse and the much-anticipated return of Mark Murphy’s VTOL. More summer shows at The Peacock will be announced soon, so do keep up to date by checking on our website peacocktheatre.com. And to get an idea of all the shows, including video clips of the performances, visit our YouTube channel.

Mother Africa, Khayelitsha - My Home

German Cornejo’s Tango Fire Tuesday 31 January - Saturday 18 February

Tue - Sat at 7.30pm Sat at 2.30pm, Sun at 2pm

International tango superstar German Cornejo’s Tango Fire returns to The Peacock. With astonishing dancers accompanied by unforgettable live music, this is Argentine tango at its fiery best!

£15 - £42 Free post-show tango class: Tue 7 and Tue 14 Feb

Tango Fire takes you on an explosive journey through the history and evolution of this most seductive art form, showcasing traditional tango’s rawness and sophistication while evoking the intoxicating passion of late night Buenos Aires. With some of the speediest footwork and tightest twirling in the business, German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi are joined by a cast of extraordinary tango dancers, including World Tango Champions. Don’t miss this chance to experience authentic Argentine tango by the very best in the world.

“Spectacular. Scintillating steps set the stage alight” The Independent

Mother Africa Khayelitsha - My Home

Yamato Chousensha - The Challengers

Tuesday 21 February - Saturday 11 March

Tuesday 14 - Saturday 25 March

Tue - Sat at 7.30pm FF Sat at 2.30pm Sun at 2pm & 6pm £15 - £38 Under 16s half price. Max 2 half price child tickets per full paying adult.

Tue - Sat at 7.30pm Sat at 2.30pm Sun at 2pm & 6.30pm £15 - £38

Two million people call Khayelitsha (the Xhosa word for ‘new home’) in South Africa home. The Township is plagued by endless power cuts, but nothing can get in the way of the rhythm and energy. Dozens of acrobats, dancers and musicians from seven African nations blend spectacular circus feats, shimmering costumes and jaw-dropping dance, to bring the pulse of daily life in Khayelitsha to the West End.

The unmistakable sound of the traditional Taiko drum, used in Shinto rituals, is challenged by the Yamato Drummers of Japan. Drums weighing up to half a tonne are hit with ferocious skill, as each beat sends out a heart-thumping torrent of vibrations. In this high-energy, exhilarating performance, the Drummers push their own limits in a staggering display of physical strength as they use their entire bodies to produce their thunderous music.

“A Continental Feast for the Eyes and the Ears” New York Times on Mother Africa 46

Photo: Hiroshi Seo

Motionhouse Scattered

Mark Murphy’s VTOL OUT OF THIS WORLD

Wednesday 26 - Saturday 29 April

Monday 1 - Wednesday 3 May

Wed - Sat at 7.30pm FF Sat at 2.30pm £15 - £29 Under 16s half price. Max 2 half price child tickets per full paying adult.

Mon - Wed at 7.30pm £20 Age guidance: 14+

Motionhouse make a splash as they return to The Peacock with their trademark highlyphysical style of dance and acrobatics, combined with lavish imagery projected on a groundbreaking curved set. Using ingenious choreography to interact with their digital environment, seven performers tumble down waterfalls, dive through waves and freeze on glaciers in a thrilling blend of film and live performance which explores our relationship with water.

OUT OF THIS WORLD is action packed theatre from acclaimed writer and director Mark Murphy. Set within a world of projected film and animation, it combines his signature mix of ground breaking aerial choreography, explosive special effects and intense storytelling. Part psychological thriller, part heart-rending medical drama; this is the story of a woman’s descent into the depths of a medically induced coma. But once safely cocooned, she discovers a shocking truth that forces her to escape her subterranean safe-house in a very real fight for life.

“The performance is practically jet-propelled” The Times Photo: Chris Nash

Family Weekend Easter family fun, with shows and free activities for all ages

Grab a pen and mark the calendar! The much loved Sadler’s Wells Family Weekend is returning over the Easter bank holiday weekend, with all the bells, whistles, and sticks of glue that mark out this much-loved kid-friendly mini-festival. With two shows to choose from (but why choose?) and more activities than you can shake a scissor-kick at, Family Weekend is an unmissable day out. Every corner of Sadler’s Wells will be decked out, opened up, and taken over by games, workshops, and plenty of arts and crafts. Even our Fox Garden Court Café will be joining in, with a special, family friendly menu available to fill up empty tums, hungry after a jam-packed day. There’s always something going on to keep your little ones busy. Have a go at screen-printing and take home your very own work-of-art, jump about and play games, or just sit back and watch a show. “Sadler’s Wells was a playground for kids – and their carers – 48

over the windy Easter weekend. The public areas of London’s top dance house were brimming with activity, from face-painting, storytelling and screen printing to dressing-up games and a tree of dreams” Donald Hutera, The Times, on Family Weekend Fans of Aracaladanza (try saying that three times fast) should take note: they are on their way to London and have packed up their magical show Vuelos to bring with them. For those not in the know, Aracaladanza is a multi award-

winning company from Spain, who have managed to charm the socks off children and parents alike with their playful and beautiful productions. Vuelos, inspired by the work of the great bearded genius Leonardo da Vinci, is no exception. The second show hasn’t been announced yet, so check our website for details.

01 & 02 Foteini Christofilopoulou 02

Family Shows

Aracaladanza Vuelos

Northern Ballet Goldilocks & the Three Bears

Friday 14 & Saturday 15 April

Friday 12 May

Fri at 3pm Sat at 11am & 3.30pm Adults: £18 Children: £12 Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Take flight with multi award-winning company Aracaladanza, as they return to the UK with their delightful show Vuelos, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s quest to make man fly. Choreographer Enrique Cabrera uses Aracaladanza’s trademark joyful style to make dancers canter like horses, make a mess at the dinner table, play with fluttering birds and grow wings of their own, to create a magical show which will make your imagination soar. Supported by The Monument Trust

Fri at 12 noon & 2pm Adults: £8 Children: £6 All ages admitted Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Northern Ballet’s much loved Short Ballets for Small People is back with a brand-new production. Goldilocks is looking for an adventure, and she soon finds her way to a hidden house in the forest. With a family of friendly bears and bowls of delicious porridge, this charming ballet is just right! This child-friendly performance lasts approximately 40 minutes and is a perfect introduction to ballet for little ones.

Family Shows

English National Ballet and English National Ballet School My First Ballet: Cinderella Tuesday 11 – Saturday 22 April Everyone's favourite rags-to-riches story, in a beautifully adapted ballet version for children aged three upwards. Cinderella is tormented by her stepsisters and she can only dream of attending the Prince’s glamorous ball. Abandoned to an evening of drudgery, she is visited by her Fairy Godmother who transforms her into a glittering Princess who shall go to the ball. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened version of Prokofiev’s ravishing score, My First Ballet: Cinderella is a unique collaboration between English National Ballet and English National Ballet School.

“A gorgeous treat for kids and parents” Daily Express on My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

The Peacock Tue 11 & Wed 12 at 7pm Thu 13, Fri 14, Tue 18, Wed 19, Thu 20, Fri 21 at 11am & 3pm Sat 15, Mon 17, Sat 22 at 10.30am, 2pm & 5.30pm No show Sun 16 £10 - £25 Family Ticket available Age guidance: 3+

To book: peacocktheatre.com Creative dance on stage workshops for children. Thu 13 & Fri 14, Tue 18 - Fri 21 at 4.45pm. Book via ballet.org.uk

Artwork: Mark Ruffle

Sadler’s Wells On Tour Spring / Summer 2017

been producing new shows in collaboration with its Associate Artists, other dance companies and international partners, many of which have received international awards.

In 2016 in collaboration with The Lowry, Salford and Birmingham Hippodrome, we launched The Movement, a new partnership set up to enable the partners to produce and present large scale dance works and develop audiences for dance in the UK. This spring, the partnership venues will each present their own version of Sampled. As well as bringing the very best international and UK dance to London audiences, Sadler’s Wells has an impressive portfolio of its own productions that tour throughout the world. Since 2005, Sadler’s Wells has 02

01 Sutra Photo: Hugo Glendinning 02 Natalia Osipova Photo: Bill Cooper

Find Us On Tour Russell Maliphant Company Conceal | Reveal 2-8 December 2016 Bruges, Lyon 12 - 20 May 2017 Sceaux, Vernier Natalia Osipova December 2016 & March 2017 Athens, Auckland Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Antony Gormley & monks from the Shaolin Temple Sutra 12 - 15 January 2017 Santiago (Chile) The 7 Fingers Triptyque 4 February - 18 March Annecy, Créteil, Luxembourg, Miramas, Provence Acosta Danza 18 - 27 May Łódź, Moscow Breakin’ Convention 5 May - 18 June Birmingham, Blackpool, Brighton, Edinburgh, Leicester, Luxembourg, Norwich, Nottingham, Salford, Southampton, Toronto Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui m¡longa 16 May - 17 June Birmingham, Brighton, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Nottingham, Saffron Walden, Salford, Southampton Dance: Sampled 24 February - 5 March Birmingham, Salford Michael Keegan-Dolan Swan Lake/Loch na hEala 21 - 23 July Stuttgart

For full tour dates, see sadlerswells.com/touring Visit our blog for the latest news on our tours in the UK and overseas: sadlerswellsontour.com 51

Talks, Classes and Assisted Performances

Director’s Conversation Crystal Pite Wednesday 12 April, 6pm - 6.45pm in the Lilian Baylis Studio: £4). Sadler’s Wells Artistic Director Alistair Spalding in conversation with Associate Artist Crystal Pite about the return of Betroffenheit and working with Scottish Ballet.

Stopgap Dance Company Thursday 2 March, post-show talk

Company Wayne McGregor Saturday 4 March, post-show talk Aakash Odedra Company Thursday 9 March, post-show talk Adam Linder Wednesday 15 March, post-show talk Agudo Dance Company Thursday 4 May, post-show talk James Thierrée Thursday 4 May, post-show talk

Rambert Wednesday 17 May, pre-show talk

Pre and Post-Show Talks Mime Festival: Gandini Juggling Monday 9 January, post-show talk Mime Festival: Family Flöz Thursday 12 January, post-show talk Mime Festival: Mossoux Bonté Friday 13 January post-show talk Mime Festival: Joli Vyann Wednesday 18 January, post-show talk ZfinMalta Dance Ensemble Thursday 9 February, post-show talk 52

Friday 19 May, pre-show talk

Talks and Events 52 Portraits Screening Wednesday 25 January An epic love song written to an art form. With introduction from co-creators Jonathan Burrows, Matteo Fargion and Hugo Glendinning. Nora Talks Monday 5 June

Nora Thursday 1 June, post-show talk

Dance Classes and Workshops

Scottish Ballet Friday 9 June pre and post-show talks.

Sampled Saturday 4 February £3 Age 18+

Alexander Whitley Dance Company Tuesday 27 June, post-show talk

German Cornejo’s Tango Fire Post-show tango classes on Tuesday 7 & Tuesday 14 February

Shubbak Festival Thursday 6 July post-show talk

Sadler’s Wells Family Weekend Family Dance Workshops Friday 14 & Saturday 15 April All £2

Stopgap Dance Company Professional Practice with Lucy Bennett and David Toole Friday 3 March £12, (£6 Concessions) or £20 for show and workshop package English National Ballet: My First Ballet - Cinderella Dance Workshops 13-14, 18-21 April at 4.45-5.45pm (Peacock Theatre) Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui - milonga Post-show tango class on Tuesday 23 May Elixir Festival Please visit: sadlerswells.com/elixir17

Assisted Performances Dan Daw Friday 31 March, 8pm Captioned performance

Breakin’ Convention Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 April, 6pm BSL interpreter co-compere

James Thierrée Sunday 7 May, 4pm Audio Described Performance Touch Tour at 2pm

Northern Ballet Saturday 13 May, 2.30pm Audio Described Performance Insight Workshop at 12pm Touch Tour at 12.45pm Rambert Wednesday 17 May, 7.30pm Sign language interpreted performance

Akram Khan Company Saturday 3 June, 7.30pm Audio Described Performance Touch Tour at 6pm For full information visit sadlerswells.com

Patrons' Events

In return for their generous support our Patrons receive invitations to special events throughout the year, bringing them closer to the dance and the artists they love. Patrons' Nights Enjoy pre and post show receptions around some of the highlights of the season, with the chance to meet the artists and creative teams. Patrons' Nights for the Spring / Summer 2017 Season are: Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch Masurca Fogo Thursday 9 February Company Wayne McGregor / Paris Opera Ballet Tree of Codes Tuesday 7 March English National Ballet Pina Bausch / William Forsythe / Hans van Manen Thursday 23 March Scottish Ballet MC 14/22 (Ceci est mon corps) / Emergence Wednesday 7 June Alexander Whitley Dance Company 8 Minutes Tuesday 27 June Look for the PN logo on our calendar

Season Previews Be among the first to hear about the exciting productions coming up in the new season direct from Artistic Director Alistair Spalding. Insight Events Enjoy opportunities to get even closer to our work through exclusive events such as talks, Q&As and tours, offering a window into Sadlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wellsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; world - from choreography to costumes, technical to touring.

To find out more about any of our events or to join as a Patron, contact the Development office on 020 7863 8134.

Join Us

Sadler’s Wells is a charity, and we need the support of those who love dance to help us create exciting work with the greatest artists.

Sadler's Wells Trust Ltd is a registered charity 279884

To support our work, and get closer to the dance you love, please join us.

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Ticket discounts

Invitations to free events, including Dress Rehearsals and Season Previews

Invitations to exclusive Patrons' events and insight opportunities

Call 020 7863 8000 or visit sadlerswells.com/friends

Call 020 7863 8134 or visit sadlerswells.com/members

Season brochures straight to your door

Exclusive access to the best seats in the house for most performances Call 020 7863 8134 or visit sadlerswells.com/patrons

Front cover: Scottish Ballet’s Emergence. Photo by Andy Ross

Sadler’s Wells Theatre & Lilian Baylis Studio

The Peacock

Rosebery Avenue London EC1R 4TN Angel

Peacock Theatre Portugal Street London WC2A 2HT Holborn, Temple

020 7863 8000 sadlerswells.com

020 7863 8222 peacocktheatre.com

Sadler’s Wells Trust Ltd is a registered charity 279884