Play by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui & Shantala Shivalingappa

Be enthralled by Play, an intimate dance collaboration by Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Indian-born dancer Shantala Shivalingappa.

Poetic and athletic, Play weaves together ideas of play-acting, role-play and the everyday games people play in life and love – from chess to seduction. Ultimately, Play is a lesson in understanding and celebrating difference.

A host of musicians join the dancers on stage, blending Japanese, Indian and Western musical influences to create a beautiful, atmospheric score.

Shivalingappa is trained in the art of Kuchipudi, a classical dance form originally from south India, renowned for its rhythmic complexity and grace.
Responding to these rhythmic patterns and gestures, Cherkaoui ventures into a world that he does not often get the chance to explore, while Shivalingappa embraces Cherkaoui’s expressive contemporary style.

Play is inspired by, and dedicated to, the late Pina Bausch, who first encouraged Cherkaoui and Shivalingappa to work together.

The unforced virtuosity of the dancers is never less than fascinating

The Guardian

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