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A dancer in a flowing red costume twirls dynamically across the stage, while other performers in layered garments move in the background. Colorful fabrics are scattered across the floor, and blurred, moving projections are visible on the backdrop.
© Valerian Galy

…how in salts desert is it possible to blossom…

Robyn Orlin, Garage Dance Ensemble, uKhoiKhoi

German Premiere

Dance
4.9.-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 five 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.

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  • A dancer in a layered, flowing costume made of various fabrics moves across the stage with outstretched arms. In the background, projections of abstract blue and green shapes are visible, while a musician stands at the microphone.
    © Valerian Galy
  • A dancer in a green mesh outfit, covering arms and head, strikes an expressive pose on stage, in front of a projection with geometric patterns.
    © Valerian Galy
  • Multiple performers in artistic costumes on stage, moving in expressive poses. Ropes are artfully arranged on the floor in front of them. These arrangements are reflected in the background as a projection.
    © Valerian Galy
  • A dancer in a colorful, layered dress with wide sleeves performs on stage. In the background, musicians play their instruments, with a glowing, kaleidoscopic stage projection.
    © Valerian Galy
  • A large projection displays the face of a person dressed in a voluminous bright costume. On stage, multiple artists in colorful, layered garments stand alongside live musicians playing electronic instruments. The dominant projection in the background enhances the theatrical atmosphere.
    © Valerian Galy
  • Close-up of a performer with an intense facial expression. She wears a striking red headpiece with voluminous fabric layers and ruffles. The lighting highlights her face and the vibrant red of her costume.
    © Valerian Galy

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

Further supporters

…how in salts desert is it possible to blossom… is supported of Direction régionale des affaires culturelles d'Ile de France and Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Visit

  • Run time

    ca. 90 minutes

  • 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.

Five performers in colourful costumes kneel and crouch in front of two musicians on a stage. The word ‘OKIEP’ can be read in large blue letters in the background.
© Valerian Galy

Directions and arrival

PACT Zollverein
Bullmannaue 20a
45327 Essen

  • Public transport and Kombi-Ticket
  • Directions
  • Travelling by bike

    • Accessibility at the venue

  • Access
  • Accessible toilets
  • Accessible parking
    • Dates and Tickets

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    • Kultur Ruhr GmbH
    Ruhrtriennale
    Gerard-Mortier-Platz 1
    44793 Bochum

    T +49 (0) 234 97 48 33 00
    F +49 (0) 234 97 48 33 39
    info@ruhrtriennale.de

    Tickets and Informations
    Mon–Fri 8 a.m.-8 p.m. / Sat 9 a.m.–6 p.m. / Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
    T +49 (0) 221 28 02 10

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