DDF News — 22 Feb 2019
#FestivalFlashback - Opening Performance No. 5: Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (2009)
Let DDF's 2009 Opening Performance whet your appetite for what's to come at the 15th Edition this May.
An exceptional dancer and choreographer renowned for his exciting collaborations with leading international artists, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui opened the 5th Dublin Dance Festival with Apocrifu.
A master of weaving together diverse styles, Cherkaoui exceeded expectations with the beautifully haunting Apocrifu. At times earthbound and languid and others delicate and aerial, the contrasting styles of three performers and the soaring choral music of A Filetta brought this powerful and thought-provoking work to life.
Apocrifu © Herman Sorgeloos
No stranger to acclaim, Cherkaoui has picked up a slew of awards, including two Olivier Awards, three Ballet Tanz awards for best choreographer (2008, 2011, 2017) and the Kairos Prize (2009) for his artistic vision and his quest for intercultural dialogue.
This year, the award-winning artist returns to Dublin Dance Festival. Dublin audiences will be treated to a rare chance to see Cherkaoui perform alongside leading traditional Irish dance artist, Colin Dunne in Session.
A DDF commission for the 15th Edition, Session is a highly anticipated and uplifting duet where movement and music, seeing and listening become a source of play.
Check back next week for another #FestivalFlashback, and in the meantime get your tickets to witness Dunne and Cherkaoui in action on the Abbey Stage in May!