Kohei Nawa and Damien Jalet's 'Vessel' Blends Sculpture and Choreography in European Tour

The performance 'Vessel,' a collaboration between Belgian choreographer Damien Jalet and Japanese artist Kohei Nawa, debuted at Sadler's Wells in London on April 16-17. This work combines Nawa's polyurethane foam sculptures with Jalet's choreography, delving into themes of decay, regeneration, and the human body. Their partnership began during a residency at Villa Kujoyama in Kyoto in 2015, which inspired 'Vessel.' Jalet's artistic endeavors frequently blend visual art, exemplified by works like 'Babel(words),' 'Les médusés' at the Louvre, 'Yama,' and 'Bolero.' The title 'Vessel' evokes both a container for liquids and a ship. The performance showcases seven dancers navigating a surreal landscape, illustrating a transformation from basic cells to intricate shapes, while questioning the nature of time and space.