Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch

The Tanztheater Wuppertal Company will be performing a double bill of contemporary dance on 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16 June 2027 at the Teatro Real, with Café Müller (1978) and The Rite of Spring (1975), two major creations by Pina Bausch.

In Café Müller, the German choreographer builds an intimate universe, in which the repetition of minimal gestures and Henry Purcell’s music create an atmosphere of fragility, memory and helplessness. In contrast to this expressive restraint, The Rite of Spring, set to Igor Stravinsky’s score, unleashes a primitive and collective energy: the stage, covered in damp mud, turns movement into an extreme physical act, in which the mud-stained bodies embody the ritual violence of sacrifice.

Pina Bausch played her role in Café Müller until shortly before her death in 2009, leaving an indelible mark in the history of dance.  Since then, her legacy has been passed down to new generations of performers, who continue bringing these essential shows to life. 

Pina Bausch (1940-2009) was one of the most influential figures in 20th century dance. The German choreographer and dancer revolutionised stage language with the development of Tanztheater (theatre-dance), a hybrid format that combines movement, theatre and deep emotional expression, addressing themes like human relations, loneliness or desire.

The Tanztheater Wuppertal, founded and run for decades by Bausch in the German city of Wuppertal, has become one of the world’s most prestigious dance ensembles. Its repertoire, focusing on choreography creations, continues to tour internationally and maintains its unmistakeable style that has contributed decisively to shaping the evolution of modern dance.

Programme:

CAFÉ MÜLLER

• Music - Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
• Choreography - Pina Bausch
• Stage Design and Costumes - Rolf Borzik
• Soprano - Marie Heeschen
• Baritone - Günter Haumer
• Dancers - Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch

THE RITE OF SPRING

• Music - Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
• Choreography - Pina Bausch
• Stage Design and Costumes - Rolf Borzik
• Collaboration - Hans Pop
• Dancers - Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch and invited dancers
• Orchestra - Teatro Real Resident Orchestra
• Orchestra Conductor - Henrik Schaefer

Image Credits:

• © Christian Clarke: The Rite of Spring
• © Oliver Look: Taylor Drury in Café Müller
• © Oliver Look: Café Müller