Pina Bausch
/ Meryl Tankard
Echoes of '78 - Kontakthof
Originally premiered in 1978, Kontakthof is a seminal piece in Pina Bausch’s repertoire, created at a time when her work was beginning to receive international recognition.
It is said that Pina often mused on the idea of seeing her original cast dance the piece when older. Now, 46 years later, a new encounter with Kontakthof is being created by choreographer Meryl Tankard, who was one of the main characters in 1978.
Nine of the original dancers return to their roles as the production creates a poignant interaction between past and present. Kontakthof – Echoes of ‘78 integrates projections of archival footage from their performances as younger dancers, and with company members no longer on stage.
Sadler’s Wells, Pina Bausch Foundation and Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch
Konzeption und Inszenierung / Video Director
Meryl Tankard
Interpretation
Mit Tänzer:innen der Originalbesetzung von Pina Bauschs Kontakthof
Video-Editor
Kenny Ang
Projection Designers
YeastCulture
Lighting Design
Ryan Joseph Stafford
World-Premiere
26 Nov 2024, Opera House Wuppertal
Duration
2h, one intermission
Cast
Dancers
Kontakthof – Echoes of ’78 is a Sadler’s Wells, Pina Bausch Foundation and Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch production. It is co-produced with Amare (The Hague), LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, Festspielhaus St. Pölten, Seongnam Arts Center and China Shanghai International Arts Festival and supported as a contribution to the preparation of the Pina Bausch Centre with funds from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the City of Wuppertal.