Nefés

This fall, dance-theater maverick Pina Bausch returns for her tenth BAM appearance with the exclusive U.S. engagement of Nefés (Turkish for “breath”). The work is an ode to Istanbul, the vibrant, cosmopolitan city which the choreographer and her dancers explored in 2002. Istanbul is known as “the city of water” and this element plays a crucial role in the work. It begins with barechested men at a Turkish bath. As the men bathe, women approach and use their hair to create a percussive rhythm. Another tableau features the stage briefly transformed into the Bosphorus strait, a fabricated waterway which almost miraculously disappears. At the core of the work is Bausch’s lyrical choreography with specific emphasis on poignant solos and pas de deux. Set to an eclectic score featuring Turkish songs, tangos from Astor Piazzolla, and classical guitar, Nefés features striking staging, including massive video screens with which the dancers interact.