Ukiyo-e

Amidst a maze of staircases, 22 dancers search for possible paths and are swept towards great depths or great heights. This collective adventure poses the question: what do we do when everything collapses? What do we do when everything around us falls apart? How do we continue to live in an uncertain world? If the question is posed in the singular, each will find his own individual answer. So, Ukiyo-e invites us to consider the collective answer. Inspired by this Japanese pictorial movement, which translates as an “image of the floating world”, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui has composed a profound reflection on resilience for 22 performers of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève. On stage, enormous labyrinthine mobile structures form a network of impossible staircases.

Confronted by obstacles and unstable surfaces, the group loses its way, looks for possible ways out and is drawn towards the depths or soars to great heights. Helping them or hindering them are electronic melodies and the power of a string trio resonating with them. This internationally renowned and insatiable choreographer, and the new director of this brilliant choreographic ensemble from Switzerland turns every creation into an occasion that is as at once artistic and philosophical.

Photo: © Gregory Batardon