The older we become, the easier it can get to let go of what was, or perhaps not, dependant on how you generally encounter the world. Age and experience making us that much wiser, detachment from childhood seen as a necessary process that determines who we currently are. Many a memory ingrained, either sharp as day or gradually fading. An exploration of the things we tend to suppress and not resolve, critically acclaimed choreographer and director Botis Seva and his dance company Far From the Norm returns to Sadler’s Wells with his Olivier Award winning Hip Hop dance work BLKDOG.

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Ending in tragedy, Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet is a storyline familiar with many – two teens from warring families brought together by their unrivalled affection for one another. Set in stone, their fates sadly play out, the impact this has on those around them clear to see. But what happens if their fates are tweaked and changed? Inspired by Queen’s A Night at the Opera album and Romeo & Juliet, Hideki Noda presents A Night at the Kabuki, a delve into rival families – the Genji and the Taira’s worlds – set in 12th century Japan.

Courtesy of Kishin Shinoyama.

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Duende – a term referring to the mysterious power of art to deeply move a person is an integral facet of Spanish culture, the term itself deriving from a fairy or goblin like creature within Spanish and Latin American mythology, it is the ‘spirit of evocation’. A powerful exploration of the duende, and the strength of women both on an individual and communal basis, Compañía María del Mar Moreno, with guest artists La Moneta, Pastora Galván and Juana la del Pipa present Gala Fiesta de la Bulería de Jerez: Mujeres de Cal y Cante.

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The Wild Card programme is an initiative by Sadler’s Wells which invites a new generation of artists to curate their own night. Livia Rita, singer, designer and artist, presents her Wild Card, FUTURA Glitch. Described as a cross-pollination of musicians, designers, dancers, writers, thinkers and activists, I was sold by the futuristic and post gendered description of a radical performance art event. For the sheer imagination and ambition of the piece I would recommend.

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Renowned for its platforming of unique, experimental and exciting talent, Sadler’s Wells’ Wild Card series returns with their latest instalment, produced by the visionary visual artist Livia Rita who presents FUTURA Glitch, the show an extension of Livia Rita’s soon to be released album FUGA FUTURAand a collaboration between musicians, designers, dancers, writers, thinkers, and activists. The show looking to create a mythology populating the Lilian Baylis Studio with unearthly creatures that build bridges between worlds. Ahead of the performance showing on the 12th and 13th May, Livia Rita tells us more about the show’s collaborative nature, exploring creating her own eclectic genre-defying sound within her music and what audiences can expect!

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Embodied Cognition is the scientific theory that our mental processes are heavily influenced by the body, sensory and motor systems intertwined with the mental realm. This theory drawing parallel to metaphysical practises such as divination, alchemy, shamanism and hypnosis – all with a holistic acknowledgement of mind – body – soul. Exploring both the scientific and the spiritual and how they intertwine in new work No-How Generator, choreographer Matthias Sperling, alongside fellow dancer Katye Coe guide us all on a ritual-like hour.

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A sub genre of Hip Hop originating from Chicago, Trap music has gone on to enjoy success on a mainstream level, the marker of success – the various interpretations of Trap across the globe, the UK bringing with it its own interpretation of the genre with Drill music. A means of expression for the underrepresented, the genre brings with it an honesty about the stark and harsh realities of life. Forming the inaugural season of his Artistic Directorship at newly established 180 Studios x Sadler’s Wells, director, choreographer and performer Ivan Michael Blackstock presents TRAPLORD, an exploration of trap culture.

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As we reach the end of the year, December offers a time to reflect on what has been a life changing, historical time period. Channelling the concept of reflection in their latest, and most powerful edition of their festival yet, Breakin’ Convention continue on with their tradition of showcasing both emerging and established Hip Hop talent in Social DisDancing.

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A collaboration witnessing the renowned Pina Bausch Foundation and influential dance company École des Sables restage Pina Bausch’s seminal 1975 work The Rite of Spring, the company were due to embark on an international tour, their first showing originally scheduled for March and due to take place in Dakar, Senegal. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, and the global lockdown that would follow, École des Sables’ base would form the setting for a final filmed rehearsal on a beach nearby. Captured by filmmaker Florian Heinzen-Ziob, he tells us more about filming Dancing at Dusk – A moment with Pina Bausch’s The Rite of Spring ahead of the global lockdown. 

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New Wave Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Wilkie Branson opens up the conversation on mental health and loneliness in his bold digital production TOM. A culmination of digital and analogue animation, Branson guides us on a man’s groundhog day journey of monotonous commutes, the relentless rat race and battling with depression. From the vast green expanses of the countryside, to the metallic, futuristic surfaces of our transport system – we as the viewer are constantly reminded of our protagonist’s loneliness – the unspoken emotion more commonly felt than realised.

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