Sasha Waltz's 'Kreatur' at Romaeuropa Festival
German choreographer Sasha Waltz returns to dance-theater with 'Kreatur,' premiered at Berlin's Radialsystem V in June 2017 and now staged at the Romaeuropa Festival. The piece explores human conflict through abstract, physical movement, starting with amorphous figures emerging from white cocoons. Created collaboratively, it features sculptural lighting by Urs Schönebaum, obsessive metallic music by Soundwalk Collective, and futuristic costumes by Iris Van Herpen. A central element is a long wooden plank used symbolically as a cross, totem, or tool of torture. The final sequence shifts to a violent love duet to Gainsbourg and Birkin's 'Je t'aime... moi non plus,' ending with a woman trapped in a reflective panel. The work addresses contemporary anxieties and the need for solidarity, echoing the festival's theme 'Where we are now?' Fourteen dancers perform with diverse body types.
Key facts
- Sasha Waltz's 'Kreatur' debuted at Radialsystem V in Berlin in June 2017.
- The piece was presented at the Romaeuropa Festival in 2017.
- Collaborators include Urs Schönebaum (lighting), Soundwalk Collective (music), and Iris Van Herpen (costumes).
- Costumes use organic materials and laser cutting, ranging from futuristic to primordial.
- A long wooden plank appears as a recurring prop, symbolizing various concepts.
- The finale features a duet to Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin's 'Je t'aime... moi non plus.'
- The work addresses themes of conflict, vulnerability, power, and solidarity.
- The festival's slogan is 'Where we are now?'
Entities
Artists
- Sasha Waltz
- Urs Schönebaum
- Soundwalk Collective
- Iris Van Herpen
- Serge Gainsbourg
- Jane Birkin
- Giuseppe Distefano
Institutions
- Romaeuropa Festival
- Radialsystem V
- Sasha Waltz & guests
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- Rome
- Italy