…how in salts desert is it possible to blossom…

Dance

3.9.-5.9.2025

PACT Zollverein

Colourful, energetic performance about the impact of colonisation.

Imagine a flower field in a desert. That is one treasure of Okiep, a former mining region that embodies the history of colonised South Africa. The inimitable, rebellious South African choreographer Robyn Orlin explores the mechanisms of violence and oppression in the area. Together with six dancers of Garage Dance Ensemble and two musicians of the Band uKhoiKhoi, Orlin mixes fiction and reality, allowing the message to emerge: Everbody has the right to blossom.

Produced by City Theater & Dance Group and Damien Valette Prod. Co-production: City Theater & Dance Group, Festival Montpellier Danse 2024, Festival de Marseille, Chaillot, Théâtre national de la danse, Paris, Théâtre Garonne, Scène européenne, Toulouse.

Cast

Choreography
- Robyn Orlin
Dance
- Garage Dance Ensemble
Dancers Garage Dance Ensemble
- Faroll Coetzee ,
- Esmé Marthinus ,
- Georgia Julies ,
- Byron Klassen ,
- Crystal Finck
Original score written and performed by
- uKhoiKhoi (Yogin Sullaphen and Anelisa Stuurman)
Costumes
- Birgit Neppl
Technical Direction
- Thabo Pule
Video
- Éric Perroys
Lighting Manager
- Jean Marc L'Hostis
Lighting Design
- Vito Walter
Text Translation
- Maurice Salem ,
- ACI
Administration, Booking
- Damien Valette
Tour Production and Logistics
- Bertille Zimmermann
Mentor Garage Band Ensemble
- Alfred Hinkel
Creative Director Garage Band Ensemble
- John Linden
Resident Choreographer Garage Band Ensemble
- Byron Klassen
Production Garage Band Ensemble
- Nicolette Moses

Visit

Age guidance

Recommended from 15 years
Introduction

An introduction will take place in the foyer of PACT Zollverein 45 minutes before the start of each event.
Notice

The event will address and display experiences of sexual violence.

Relaxed With ... uKhoiKhoi (7 September)

Artists at Work

The film series Artists at Work showcases the versatility of Ruhrtriennale artists. Every Tuesday in the Turbinenhalle we present a cinematic work featuring a festival artist. Artistic director Ivo Van Hove opens the evening with an in-person interview with each guest and welcomes Robyn Orlin on Tuesday, 2 September.