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Ohad Naharin's 'Venezuela' Splits Time and Sound in Batsheva Dance

other · 2026-04-27

Ohad Naharin's 2019 choreography 'Venezuela' for Batsheva Dance Company, seen in Italy at Teatro Comunale di Vicenza for Danza in Rete_Festival, divides into two 40-minute halves presenting the same movement sequence on contrasting soundtracks. The first half uses solemn Gregorian chant, while the second employs an electronic rock, techno, trip-hop, and rap score by Maxim Warat, including Rage Against the Machine, Notorious B.I.G., and Scott Sturgis. Lighting and some dancers change between halves. Flags of Palestine and Israel (without Star of David) appear in the second half. Naharin, artistic director from 1990 to 2018 and now exclusive resident choreographer, developed the Gaga movement language. The work deliberately avoids specific themes, allowing personal emotional journeys.

Key facts

  • Ohad Naharin created 'Venezuela' in 2019 for Batsheva Dance Company.
  • The piece was performed in Italy at Teatro Comunale di Vicenza for Danza in Rete_Festival.
  • The choreography is split into two 40-minute halves with identical movement but different soundtracks.
  • First half soundtrack: Gregorian chant.
  • Second half soundtrack: electronic rock, techno, trip-hop, rap by Maxim Warat, including Rage Against the Machine, Notorious B.I.G., and Scott Sturgis.
  • Flags of Palestine and Israel (without Star of David) appear in the second half.
  • Naharin served as artistic director from 1990 to 2018; Gili Navot succeeded him.
  • Naharin's Gaga method is described as a liberating, energetic training, not a technique.
  • Naharin states: 'Choreographing offers the privilege of conveying a clear and eloquent message without having to provide explanations.'

Entities

Artists

  • Ohad Naharin
  • Gili Navot
  • Maxim Warat
  • A. R. Rahman
  • Sampooran Singh Gulzar
  • Christopher Wallace (Notorious B.I.G.)
  • Scott Sturgis
  • Giuseppe Distefano

Institutions

  • Batsheva Dance Company
  • Teatro Comunale di Vicenza
  • Danza in Rete_Festival
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Vicenza
  • Italy
  • Palestine
  • Israel

Sources