Dances of Death

In the 21^st century, death is everywhere: new incurable diseases, rising suicide rates, the consequences of climate change. How do we relate to death? And what would this century’s dance of the dead look like?

The motif of the ‘danse macabre’ emerged in the 14^th century and recurred throughout Western cultural history. Along with five dancers, Michiel Vandevelde explores several of these dances of the dead, inspired by paintings, videos and images that date from the Middle Ages till the present and range from personal archives to cult material. How can we cope with saying goodbye through the intense physical experience of dance?

Artist-in-residence Michiel Vandevelde works as a choreographer and a curator and has presented almost all of his work at Kaaitheater. His pieces are rooted in political and artistic activism.

Choreography : Michiel Vandevelde // Dance : Amanda Barrio Charmelo, Bryana Fritz, Audrey Merilus, Mario Barrentes Espinoza, Robson Ledesma // Dramaturgy : Esther Severi // Costumes : Heide Vanderieck // Scenography : Ward Heirwegh, Michiel Vandevelde // Technique : Bregt Janssens // International distribution : Something Great

Production : Disagree. vzw // Co-production : Kaaitheater, Concertgebouw Brugge, PACT Zollverein, Kunstenwerkplaats Pianofabriek, KAAP, STUK // Residencies : Kaaitheater, PACT Zollverein, Concertgebouw Brugge, KAAP, Kunstenwerkplaats Pianofabriek, Impulstanz, STUK, CC De Faktorij // Financial management : Klein Verzet vzw

Photo : Illias Terlinck