Wim Vandekeybus Closes World Tour in Naples, Reflects on Dance's Lost Ritualism
Choreographer Wim Vandekeybus concluded the world tour for 'In Spite of Wishing and Wanting' at Teatro Bellini in Naples, marking the first time his company Ultima Vez performed in southern Italy. In an interview with Artribune, he discussed the evolution of the piece over 20 years, contrasting the pre-Internet creative process of the 1990s with today's hyper-informed dancers. He criticized the commodification of dance, arguing that technique and market forces have stripped it of its ritualistic purity. Vandekeybus expressed fascination with Naples' archaic energy and hinted at a future project inspired by the city, but rejected clichéd portrayals. The interview also touched on his multidisciplinary approach, blending dance, theater, music, and film, and his philosophical view of dance as a rebellion rooted in adolescence.
Key facts
- Wim Vandekeybus closed the world tour for 'In Spite of Wishing and Wanting' at Teatro Bellini in Naples.
- The tour lasted two years and involved a caravan of 40 people.
- Ultima Vez performed for the first time in southern Italy.
- The piece was created 20 years ago and has been re-staged with new dancers.
- Vandekeybus contrasted the 1990s creative process (no Internet, library research) with today's informed dancers.
- He criticized the commodification of dance, saying it has lost its ritualistic character.
- He praised Naples for its archaic rules and freedom, and plans to create a new work inspired by the city.
- Vandekeybus refuses to portray Naples through clichés and wants to show an alternative reality.
Entities
Artists
- Wim Vandekeybus
- Manuela Barbato
Institutions
- Ultima Vez
- Teatro Bellini
- Artribune
Locations
- Naples
- Italy
- Rome
- Teatro Bellini