Visionary choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui is poised to captivate London audiences once again with his latest production, 'Vlaemsch', a deeply personal and politically charged exploration of Flemish identity. The work premieres at the prestigious Sadler's Wells Theatre this autumn, marking a significant return for the artist.
Born in Antwerp to a Flemish mother and Moroccan father, Cherkaoui delves into his complex heritage, using movement to dissect the nuances of language, belonging, and the often-contradictory nature of regional identity. The piece promises to be more than a dance performance; it's a philosophical inquiry into what it means to be 'home'.
Deconstructing 'Home' Through Movement
Cherkaoui describes 'Vlaemsch' as a direct continuation of the themes he began exploring in his previous work, 'Chez Moi'. Where its predecessor questioned the concept of a physical home, this new piece interrogates the intangible home of language and cultural identity.
'It’s about the Flemish part of my identity,' Cherkaoui explains. 'The title itself, ‘Vlaemsch’, is an old spelling that feels both familiar and strange—much like my relationship with the culture it represents.'
A Choreographic Dialogue With Heritage
The production is built around a compelling central question: Can we truly claim ownership of a language and a culture if we feel disconnected from its contemporary political or social manifestations? Cherkaoui uses his world-renowned choreographic language—a blend of fluid contemporary movement, intricate gesture, and non-western forms—to physicalise this internal conflict.
Performers from his company, Eastman, become vessels for this exploration, their bodies articulating the tensions between past and present, personal and political, inclusion and isolation.
Anticipated London Premiere
The London premiere at Sadler's Wells is a highly anticipated event in the international dance calendar. Known for his collaborative works with artists like Marina Abramović and for the award-winning 'Sutra', Cherkaoui continues to push boundaries, ensuring 'Vlaemsch' will be a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience for UK audiences.
