fABULEUS & Reut Shemesh

Due to great popularity back at tanzhaus nrw for the final time!

“I Want to Be A Father Like My Father.”

Ten youths give free reign to their energies: explosive and vulnerable, on that slippery slope between game and rebellion. ULTRA poses questions for the role “typically masculine” behaviour plays in our changing times. But most of all, the piece serves as the portrait of a group of youths in a world full of contradictory expectations and categorisations.

For this joint work with fABULEUS, choreographer Reut Shemesh, former tanzhaus nrw Factory Artist, took inspiration from an encounter with German “Ultra” football supporters. The performance presents youths between the ages of 15 to 21 at a ritual that combines joy and aggression and unveils the vulnerability behind their loud utterings. ULTRA is a tender to hard dealing with the topic of masculinity, broaching the issues of challenges and opportunities for youths who grow up in a world of changing norms.

At the core of fABULEUS’ work is the artistic collaboration between young talents and established artists. Sometimes, young people are on stage, sometimes (future) professionals. fABULEUS provides them with the framework needed to develop their respective qualities as actors and dancers, and it also sets an international example in this manner.

Cologne choreographer Reut Shemesh made a name for herself in the contemporary German dance scene and was an Artist in Residence both at K3 / Hamburg and at tanzhaus nrw Düsseldorf, where fABULEUS regularly guests. Reut Shemesh combines two fascinations: For one, the interest in power and group dynamics, and, on the other hand, personal questions she poses to herself, as a mother, regarding so-called masculinity.

ULTRA already guested at tanzhaus nrw in February of 2024 and now returns for its dernière. On the occasion of this guest performance, the ULTRA ensemble meets the tanzhaus nrw youth company to communally share artistic practices during a workshop.

Duration: 60 min.

In English. Use of loud music and stroboscopic effects.
Click here for an interview of Reut Shemesh about ULTRA from Gilles Michiels.

*  The democracy workshop with Miriam Bachmann is a practical experience of democracy in which you discuss and experience the relationship to the group and the democratic community, starting from yourself as an individual. Based on the dance production ULTRA, you will deal with the topic of having an opinion, standing up for your own ideas and visions and the feeling of anger as an empowering moment. Think, sort, discuss and be angry!
No previous experience necessary. Participation free of charge.