Minimal changes, merely some comments: Numerous anticipations met, minor adjustments made.
In the current scene, there's an eerie silence surrounding the once buzzing Tanztheater Wuppertal. The man who kicked off with a grand entrance not too long ago seems to have vanished without a trace. No sign of his stunning performances will grace the upcoming season.
The supposed breakup has sparked endless speculations regarding the real reasons behind it. Some whispers hint towards the turbulent relationship between Charmatz and Salomon Bausch, the son of the late Pina Bausch and head of the Pina Bausch Foundation, who holds all rights to the pieces. To say things didn't go as planned is an understatement.
As for the next artistic director, Matthias Nocke, the Culture Commissioner, candidly declared that they're currently resting on their laurels. No decisive moves will be made regarding the future leadership of the dance theater until the premiere at the new Pina Bausch Center – which is a good seven years away. In this time, who knows what could unfold? Perhaps, they might even consider joint artistic leadership for both the Tanztheater Wuppertal and the Pina Bausch Center.
In reference to “giving,” there's much talk about the possibility of new non-Pina Bausch pieces being added to the dance theater's repertoire. In response to this question, the company's business manager, Daniel Siekhaus, mentioned Boris Charmatz' tenure as an attempt that didn't quite pan out. For the future, he shared, the decision-makers are eagerly brainstorming when it's safe to take another leap into the unknown.
The company's lifeblood remains the Pina Bausch works, counting more than 40 in all. A treat for dance enthusiasts awaits with performances like "Café Müller/Das Frühlingsopfer" and "Masurca Fogo" lined up. Come January 2026, the long-absent "Masurca Fogo" is set to make its comeback, followed by "Vollmond," "Kontakthof – Echoes of '78," and "Kontakthof" itself, along with "Nelken" and "Sweet Mambo."
While I had hoped for more freshness, there's only "Masurca Fogo" and "Underground" in December featuring pieces by ensemble members to look forward to. "Wie das Moos auf dem Stein" will receive a revamp – for a brief three days in May in Taiwan – truly, the luckiest of countries!
On a side note, the dance theater's shows in Wuppertal and their international guest performances continue to sell out, leaving no doubts about its enduring appeal. Despite my admiration for the Pina Bausch Center, I can't help but harbor some doubts – not about the dance theater though.
In the midst of uncertainty, there is anticipation for new entertainment offerings to join the Tanztheater Wuppertal's repertoire. The company's business manager, Daniel Siekhaus, expressed a readiness to take another risk in the future.
The enduring appeal of the Tanztheater Wuppertal is evident as their shows continue to sell out, showcasing the timeless allure of the entertainment they provide.
