Ballet

Vice Versa

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui · Imre & Marne van Opstal

The double bill Vice Versa features two exciting and emotionally moving works by renowned contemporary choreographers which deal with constant transformation and the relationship between humans and nature. In Noetic, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui explores, among other things, how humans learn better to understand the universe through their own creations. In November, Imre and Marne van Opstal dwell on the subject of wind, an invisible and unpredictable force whose effect on humans and the environment is made visible in the piece.

Both Noetic and November are total works of art in which particular emphasis is placed on the close interaction between choreography, music, and sets. The impressive stage designs by Antony Gormley and Boris Acket become protagonists of the piece, and musicians become part of the action on stage. 

In Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s ballet Noetic, which premiered in Gothenburg in 2014, the dancers gradually build their own world on stage. The music, which was composed for the ballet by Szymon Brzóska, is performed by the Sächsische Staatskapelle, the Swedish singer Miriam Andersén and the Japanese musician Shogo Yoshii on taiko drums, kokyu and flute.

In November, a creation for the Semperoper Ballet by the Dutch siblings Imre & Marne van Opstal, the dancers interact with a huge cloth that is suspended from the ceiling. Bodies, fabric and light are in constant motion, merging into a poetic dance to the sometimes softly flowing, sometimes stormy music by Arvo Pärt.

Multi-part ballet evening

Premiere
28. June 2025,

No further performances in the current season.

Premiere cast

Explore

Trailer

Focus „November“

Imagine everything is in motion.

The wind – invisible, powerful and full of symbolism. In their choreography November, Imre and Marne van Opstal explore the power of this natural element. Supported by the impressive music of Arvo Pärt, the result is an atmospheric work full of movement and expression.

Ballet ABC – S for Stager

Stephan Laks, rehearsal director for Noetic, provides insights into his work as a stage director. 
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