Pina Bausch and the Tanztheater

Pina Bausch (1940–2009) is recognised as a pioneer of modern dance theatre and as one of the most influential choreographers of the twentieth century. Her work was first honoured with a comprehensive retrospective at the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bonn in 2016. This exhibition can now be seen at the Martin-Gropius-Bau in Berlin.

Working with her company, Pina Bausch developed the artistic form of dance theatre, which combines theatre, dance and performance art. Her novel approach not only roundly rejected the conventions of classical ballet, but also went far beyond the preoccupations with formal principles that characterise much of modern dance.

At the heart of the exhibition is the reconstruction of the Lichtburg, the legendary rehearsal space in an old Wuppertal cinema, in which Pina Bausch developed most of her pieces with her dancers. In the atrium of the Martin-Gropius-Bau, this space becomes a space in which visitors can meet members of the company who will introduce them to characteristic dance theatre movements and short sequences of moves. Performances, dance workshops, public rehearsals, conversations, films and much more transform the rehearsal studio into a vibrant, experiential space.

In her introductory talk Miriam Leysner, curator of the exhibition, will explain the idea behind the exhibition and how it all came together.