On October 25, 2024, the Staatsballett Berlin will present Minus 16 – the first premiere of the season – an evening in two parts that brings together choreographies by Ohad Naharin and Sharon Eyal. Ohad Naharin, known worldwide for his movement method Gaga, challenges the intuition and physical boundaries of the dancers in his works. Sharon Eyal is celebrated for her hypnotic, unique universes and is already working on her fourth piece with the company.
Image above: Ohad Naharin in rehearsal with the dancers of Staatsballett Berlin, photo: Admill Kuyler
Ohad Naharin is the house choreographer of the Batsheva Dance Company and the creator of the movement method Gaga, which serves as the foundation for his internationally performed choreographies. Gaga demands an unconditional opening up in order to incorporate movement material beyond steps and musicality. “I try to create space for strong emotions, to welcome them, and to let the dancers influence my decisions,” Naharin explains. His piece Minus 16, first performed in 1999 at the Netherlands Dance Theater II, is based on excerpts from earlier works and musically connects Frédéric Chopin with mambo, techno, and traditional music. The captivating choreography features a large ensemble full of joy in movement and acrobatic daring.
SAABA is the fourth work by internationally acclaimed choreographer Sharon Eyal to be presented by the Staatsballett Berlin. Another and completely new one of her mysterious universes unfolds in an unmistakable manner. This time, composer Ori Lichtik creates a soundtrack, which alternates between genres. Sharon Eyal‘s unmistakable style of hypnotic, pulsating power also unleashes its full effect in this sound spectrum. SAABA is a very personal work that explores different emotional spaces, connecting hope and vulnerability, and inviting the audience to embark on an introspective journey where fragility and strength coexist. For the costume design, Sharon Eyal worked together with the creative director of Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri. The duo has worked together several times for Dior’s seasonal fashion shows.
Minus 16
Choreographies by Sharon Eyal and Ohad Naharin
Minus 16
Choreography: Ohad Naharin
Music: Dick Dale, Tractor’s Revenge & Ohad Naharin, Harold Arlen & Marusha, Frédéric Chopin, Pérez Prado
Costumes: Ohad Naharin
Lighting Design: Avi Yona «Bambi» Bueno
Dancers of Staatsballett Berlin
Music recorded
SAABA
Choreography: Sharon Eyal
Co-Choreography: Gai Behar
Music: Ori Lichtik
Costumes: Maria Grazia Chiuri für DIOR
Lighting Design: Alon Cohen
Dancers of Staatsballett Berlin
Music recorded
WHEN?
Premiere: Friday, 25 October 2024, 7.30 pm
Performances: Monday, 28 + Tuesday, 29 October 2024
Further performances in November: Thursday, 7th, Friday, 8th, Thursday, 21st, Sunday, 24th (2x), Friday, 29th November 2024
WHERE?
Deutsche Oper Berlin
Bismarckstraße 35
10627 Berlin-Charlottenburg
COSTS?
Tickets: 24 – 108 EUR