Ombra

'Art that moves you to tears, is rare. But the opening of Alain Platel's Ombra, hits that sweet spot.'

'The dancers here reveal themselves literally and figuratively in a way that shows a deep confidence in the work. That alone makes this work, this synthesis of all that Platel stands for, an impressive achievement.'

'Ombra, Alain Platel's magnificent gift of emotion'.

'Perhaps less political than profoundly existential, this new creation by Platel illustrates the humanism that united the two men and their shared idea that art, music, singing and dance are all ways of reflecting on the state of the world and healing its wounds.'

'Ombra a performance with an untangible dimension. An encounter between singers, dancers and musicians, each with their own background, and also between composers from different periods. Performers who each excel in their respective fields. The audience was overwhelmed and delighted, paying homage in prolonged applause to the creativity and empathy of the entire cast and also to Alain Platel's soul mate: the great Gerard Mortier.'

Berlinde De Bruyckere's tree impresses even before one note has been played, before one dance step has been taken.

Announcement - exhibition of the tree from Ombra

Two-tonne artwork by Berlinde De Bruyckere steals the show in dance performance by Alain Platel.

Ombra is about life and death. From one moment to the next, we move from despair to delight. You come away comforted and moved.