Tournament

Music and dance are often presented in perfect harmony on the theatre stage. The interdisciplinary piece “Tournament” radically calls this practice into question. In cooperation with the Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop, choreographer Adam Linder, composer Ethan Braun and set designer Andrea Faraguna, this project positions musical and dance performance in a competition that explores the tensions between these two disciplines.

The Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop has been exploring new forms of experimental theatre since it was founded in 2006. The development of “Tournament” began with research on historical competitions as the basis for its musical and choreographic ideas. The stage itself resembles an ancient arena but is constructed with modern-day materials. Adam Linder has developed a hybrid dance style that captures the tournament theme independent of the musical composition. The choreographic episodes are reminiscent of combat training exercises with improvised elements, comprised of a combination of ballet, contemporary dance and street dance styles, such as popping and waving. Braun’s composition uses the musical form of étude as a symbol of virtuosity, but in the context of the competition, also takes it to absurd heights: as the orchestra repeats shorter excerpts of the score excessively and close to exhaustion, the musicians’ bodies practically become instruments themselves. In their competitive interplay, a dynamic performance unfolds in which music and dance mutually influence each other.

The premiere of “Tournament” will take place at Kampnagel in Hamburg. Subsequent performances will be staged at the International Arts Centre De Singel in Antwerp and during the Tanz im August festival at Radialsystem in Berlin.

Co-artistic director, choreographer, costume designer: Adam Linder
Co-artistic director: Boram Lie
Composer, musical director: Ethan Braun
Light design: Shahryar Nashat
Project manager: Volker Hormann
Performances: Kampnagel, Hamburg: 20–23 Mar. 2025; deSingel, Antwerp: 29-30 Mar. 2025; Tanz im August/Radialsystem, Berlin: August 2025