Master of the unconventional Alain Platel returns to Sadler’s Wells with groundbreaking dance show

After bringing marching bands and dogs to the Sadler’s Wells stage (not at the same time), trailblazing Belgian choreographer Alain Platel returns with his critically acclaimed contemporary dance company les ballets C de la B for the UK premiere of the Gustav Mahler-inspired Nicht Schlafen. This dark and moving performance is inspired by both the late composer’s work and the troubled early years of 20^th century Europe which he lived in.

Platel’s regular collaborator Steven Prengels creates a surprising soundscape using African polyphonic chants, cowbells and the sounds of sleeping animals to contrast with Mahler’s adagios and symphonies, confronting Western classical music with African culture. Visual artist Berlinde De Bruyckere conjures a startling image with her sculpture of a jumpled heap of dead horses, setting the scene for this dance of life and the rituals of death.

Founded in Ghent, Belgium in 1984, les ballets C de la B is one of the most influential performing arts companies in Europe, described in the Guardian as “cacophonous, many-headed dance-theatre collective whose performances careen between surrealism, social psychology, slapstick and semiotics”.

Nicht Schlafen is set to be an unmissable show from the master of the unconventional. All tickets are £20, so book now for this unique and provocative performance.

The editorial unit

Alain Platel / les ballets C de la B’s Nicht Schlafen is at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on 30^th June and 1^st July 2017. Book your tickets here.

Watch a clip from a Nicht Schlafen performance here: