Opera Ballet Vlaanderen wants to offer a safe haven for key works from Flemish dance heritage by passing them on to a new generation. A new work that has entered OBV's repertoire is Puur by Wim Vandekeybus. This iconic 2005 performance takes ancient myths and the biblical story of the Slaughter of the Innocents as a starting point for a choreography about extreme violence against innocent victims. In this hybrid performance, dance, theatre and film come together in a dark universe in which Vandekeybus' electrifying movement language and provocative images never lose their poeti

Associate artist at OBV Jan Martens presents another world-premiering creation. After the internationally acclaimed large ensemble work FUTUR PROCHE , he opts for a more intimate work, Graciela Quintet set to music by the Greek composer Graciela Paraskevaídis. In addition, he will rework a fragment from his solo ELISABETH GETS HER WAY for the dancers of Opera Ballet Vlaanderen.

Martens' new work enters into dialogue with two classics by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, also an associate artist at OBV, set to music by Steve Reich: Piano Phase and Clapping Music, as well as Twelve Ton Rose by Trisha Brown. Contemporary chamber music, which forms the leitmotif of this programme, will be performed live by the Hermes Ensemble.

A last world-premiering creation springs from the rich imagination of the American choreographer Richard Siegal. His New Ballet Mécanique will be a collaboration with installation and sound artist Zimoun, who creates immersive worlds full of movement and sound from constructions of everyday elements.

This work finds a perfect counterpart in Half Life by Sharon Eyal, the irresistible hit of two seasons ago danced to Ori Lichtik's pumping techno beat.

But the dance season starts with a classic from our own house: Choreolab. Once again, the dancers themselves are allowed to act as choreographers. This time, each choreography will be accompanied live by members of the Opera Ballet Vlaanderen Symphony Orchestra. Choreolab kicks off the season early with a premiere on September 1.

Season 23/24 in overview

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