German premiere

Choreographer Trajal Harrell will present his first work as director of Schauspielhaus Zürich’s new dance company at the opening of the 31st euro-scene Leipzig. A dance piece to the most famous solo piano recording of all time – Keith Jarrett’s THE COLOGNE CONCERT. Harrell will open this moving evening with four songs by Canadian musician Joni Mitchell.

After many months of lockdown and distancing rules in the theater, THE KÖLN CONCERT is looking for a language to bring people close even in times of social distancing. The shared experience of frailty – of people dancing who show their vulnerability on stage – is a reminder of the need to stay close despite everything. A reminder to have respect for yourself and for each other, and not to forget that there are many stories to be told about those who are barely heard or seen. People pushed into the shadows, the lonely, the addicted, the abandoned, the homeless, the sad, who defy their abandonment proudly and with beauty.

It is important to learn afresh how to create theater and dance. In front of an audience. With distance and caution. But with no less dedication.

Trajal Harrell is originally from the USA and has lived in Athens for many years. He became known worldwide for his series of works TWENTY LOOKS OR PARIS IS BURNING AT THE JUDSON CHURCH and is now a regular guest of the most important international venues for dance and visual arts. Since 2019, Trajal Harrell is in-house director at the Schauspielhaus Zurich.

www.schauspielhaus.ch