En Atendant and Cesena – Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker and Rosas

Overview

For those outside of international dance and art circles, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's name was all but unknown until last year, when Beyonce Knowles was accused of significantly copying the Belgian choreographer's work without permission. Thankfully, Sydney will have the opportunity to see De Keersmaeker's art under more joyful circumstances this September, courtesy of Carriageworks and the 18th Biennale of Sydney.

The first piece is the Australian premiere of En Atendant, which is choreography of both movement and sound inspired by the 14th century ars subtilior method of composition. A quick cheat-sheet glance on the internet brings up images of convoluted manuscripts, where bars of red and black music notation curl into one another to form playful images, which perhaps leaves a subtle clue as to where De Keersmaeker will lead her audience.

A few nights later is the second Australian premiere, this time of Cesena. Continuing the theme of bending music and movement, Cesena form fucks with 19 performers, so that dancers sing and singers dance. De Keersmaeker's company, Rosas, combines its dancers with the graindelavoix ensemble of Bjorn Schmelzer, an ethnomusicologist specialising in ancient forms of music. This collaboration promises to push both groups to the limits of their extraordinary skills.

While both pieces are complete experiences in their own right, it is highly recommended that audiences treat En Atendant and Cesena as a diptych.

En Atendant plays on September 11 and 12 and Cesena on September 14 and 15 at CarriageWorks. Check out our other picks for the best things to see and do at the Biennale.