Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui presents the UK premiere of Vlaemsch (chez moi) at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on Thursday 18th-Saturday 20th September. The Flemish-Moroccan choreographer made Vlaemsch (chez moi) as a love letter to his Flemish roots, using it to explore this part of his identity. For the title Larbi deliberately chose an outdated spelling of “Vlaams” which translates as “Flemish” and references the language and culture of Flanders.
It’s a pronunciation and spelling method used in political discourse to characterise the perceived old-fashionedness and historical roots of Flemish nationalism. It can also indicate sentiments of nostalgia and historical appreciation for Flemish culture including Flemish folklore and the medieval cities of the prosperous County of Flanders. The subtitle (chez moi) is written in French, translated as “at mine” or “at my house”, which highlights Larbi’s personal experience of Flemish culture. Larbi was born to a Flemish mother and Moroccan father, and grew up in Hoboken, a suburb of Antwerp.
Although Hoboken’s official language is Dutch/Flemish, the language Larbi’s family used at home was mainly French. The main title and the subtitle contrast each other, but in his title Larbi wants to show that they are not mutually exclusive. Cherkaoui is an award-winning choreographer who has worked with dance companies from around the world as well as across film, theatre and music, notably working with Beyoncé on some of her music videos in recent years.
Finding inspiration in culturally rich, 15th century Flanders, Cherkaoui and his collaborators take inspiration from the Flemish grand masters. For the piece Cherkaoui has worked with three major contemporary Flemish artists. Visual artist Hans Op de Beeck is known for his large-scale installations and sculptural works. His signature grey palette echoes the pale landscape and architecture of Flanders. Lute player Floris De Rycker and his music ensemble Ratas del Viejo Mundo explore the sounds of 1600s polyphonic music and Arabic influences in Western music.
Jan-Jan Van Essche’s costume designs are inspired by different cultures – a sustainable, slow fashion ethos in a fast fashion world. Opposite to the Flemish profile of the artistic team the piece features international performers from Japan, America, Russia, Ukraine, Congo, Canada, Germany and beyond. The cross movement between West and East or North and South is characteristic of Cherkaoui’s choreography.
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, said, “Returning to Sadler’s Wells, after so many years, with two dance theatre works I recently created feels like a gentle homecoming. Both the collaboration with Marc Brew an Accident / a Life and Vlaemsch (chez moi), which I made as an ode to my Flemish mother, delve into the complexities of identity and the meaning of feeling ‘safe’, searching for a ‘home’ away from home. Both theatrical pieces address the layered feelings we can harbour for the mothers in our lives.
Vlaemsch (chez moi) seeks to reflect the complex and rich cultural tapestry of Flanders. It is brought to life by Eastman performers from around the world. Whilst an Accident / a Life, bridges Marc Brew’s intense journey from South Africa all the way back to his motherland Australia. I believe both these works, these gatherings of different cultural stories, identities and geographies, can resonate positively in cosmopolitan London. They tackle the highs and lows of life and inspire resilience and patience in the face of adversity. I hope the audience might find something of themselves in these two works, or feel transported somewhere new to discover, to calmly share space and time… to laugh also at ourselves.
London audiences, who continue to welcome my work with such openness and curiosity, have long played a vital role in my journey as international choreographer and artist. I’m grateful for this ongoing relationship, since Sutra in 2008, with Sadler’s Wells as presenter and producer. As Associate Artist, I look forward to welcoming everyone into my borderless choreographic world of music, theatre and dance.”
Sir Alistair Spalding CBE, Sadler’s Wells Artistic Director and Co-Chief Executive, said, “We are so pleased to have Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s work back on the Sadler’s Wells stage with this work that delves into the relationship he has with his Flemish heritage. This comes after a successful summer tour of his production with the Shaolin Temple – Sutra in Europe as well as his collaboration with Marc Brew to Sadler’s Wells East.”
For tickets please contact the Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com
