A group of young male friends might be compared to a pack of puppies: Playful, strong and boisterous, they compete, quarrel and join forces. In Hofesh Shechter’s dance piece Uprising, boundaries are permanently tested, and yet the foundation of this playful trial of strength lies in a sense of togetherness. The zest for action expressed in Uprising lets the group climb many summits, and the power of friendship and community gives them wings. The pulsating percussive music was composed by the choreographer himself.

The Big Crying is one of Marco Goecke’s magical, short ballets. With the highest precision, it unfolds images of pain and farewell, celebrating the joy of being alive. The ballet is both delicate and powerful, just like the voice of Tori Amos, whose songs accompany this piece. And it is fast – so fast that it seems to want to run away from death. Goecke’s aim is to find the happiest and the saddest in one rehearsal: Both are united in the ballet The Big Crying.

Alexander Ekman’s piece Cacti astounds with its wit and creativity. Full of self-irony, the piece comments on itself and provides the audience with a humorous approach to reflect on the danced events on stage.
In Cacti, dance and music literally combine. The four string players who accompany the dancers stand on stage. This creates a communal piece of art that turns sound, movement and a sophisticated lighting concept into a dynamic unit, a body-orchestra.