PROGRAMME
The famous Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, otherwise known for his brilliant and always (cosmo-)political dance pieces, in which his Moroccan background also plays a role, is fascinated by the social significance of Johann Strauss' dance compositions. Their original historical setting was initially the (Viennese) ballroom; however, these waltzes, mazurkas and polkas, which seem timeless today, quickly became a crucial reference for ballroom dancing and the sign of an entire era. In his very special contribution to Johann Strauss 2025 Wien, Cherkaoui explores the urge of a society to control citizens through the quasi-aristocratic codes of behavior that we find at balls and social gatherings of the elite: How do we get each other to behave in a way that we deem acceptable – or not? The idea of a ball as a place of connection, as a place where different rules apply, can be simultaneously restrictive and liberating. So, is dancing – when it is celebrated socially – still freedom?
With the poetic visual language of Oscar-winning scenographer Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), a stage emerges somewhere between splendour and decay. Strauss’s music merges with Taiko percussion by Tsubasa Hori and Shogo Yoshii, accompanied by the voice of Kazutomi “Tsuki” Kozuki – a dialogue between Vienna and Japan, between past and present.
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s choreography features the ensemble of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, accompanied live by the Vienna Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Constantin Trinks.
Venue & Accessibility:
MuseumsQuartier – Halle E
Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna
U3, U2, Tram 49, Bus 48A: Volkstheater; Tram 1, 2, 46, 71, D: Ring/Volkstheater
The entrance is accessible for wheelchair users. A lift provides access to the cloakrooms and toilets. Accessible toilets are available. For information on parking, please refer to mumok.
Parking MuseumsQuartier Halle E
Four disabled parking spaces are available directly in the MuseumsQuartier. Access is possible via the main entrance (corner Volkstheater / Burggasse). Parking is permitted to all persons with a disabled pass for the duration of their stay in the MuseumsQuartier and is free of charge. There are also two additional paid parking spaces in the Contipark parking garage in front of the INFORMATION & SERVICE 120 MuseumsQuartier, entrance via Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna.
Ticket Discounts:
Performances in cooperation with Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna
For performances organised in cooperation with Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna, the discount concept of our cooperation partner applies. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a discount for people aged 60 and over at these events. All persons under the age of 30 receive a 30 % discount on the standard price by phone via +43.1.235 00 22 and online. Proof of age must be presented at the entrance of the venue.
Wheelchair users / accompanying person
receive discounted wheelchair tickets for € 10,- and discounted tickets for accompanying persons for € 34,- (50 % discount) after making an advance reservation by phone via +43.1.235 00 22 or by e-mail: ticketservice@impulstanz.com (no later than three days before the performance). The discount cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.
Holders of a disability pass
People with a degree of disability of 50 % or more will receive a 65 % discount when purchasing tickets. The desired tickets can be reserved by e-mail with a scan of the disability pass: ticketservice@impulstanz.com. A discount for an accompanying person can only be granted if this person is listed on the pass. The discount cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. When attending the performance, the respective proof of entitlement must be presented together with the ticket at the entrance.
Holders of Ö1 Club Card or Ö1 Intro Card
receive a 10 % discount on the respective price category for up to two persons per production (available online in the ticket shopping basket, after selection of seats). For productions with several performance dates, the discount only applies to one single performance date. A combination with other promotions (e.g. Early Bird Special) or discounts is not possible.
Raiffeisenbank account holders
from Vienna or Lower Austria receive a 10 % discount on the respective price category per production for up to two people by phone via +43.1.235 00 22 and online (the discount is only visible once your bookings are summarised and put into the cart). The Raiffeisenbank card must be presented at the entrance.
Please note that reductions and discounts cannot be applied retroactively or at the evening box office.
Choreography: Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
Set and Costume Design: Tim Yip
Musical Direction: Constantin Trinks
Music: Johann Strauss
Lighting Design: Jen Schriever
Assistant Set and Costume Design: Jin Yau
Additional Music & Live Musicians: Tsubasa Hori, Shogo Yoshii
Live Vocals: Kazutomi “Tsuki” Kozuki
Choreographic Assistant: Afshin Varjavandi
Choreographic Consultants: German Cornejo, Carolina Giannini
Martial Arts Consultant: Satoshi Kudo
Artistic Advisor: Hisashi Itoh
Musical Advisor: Marc Leroy-Calatayud, Laurin Pikus, Marie Huber
Rehearsal Directors: Vittorio Bertolli, Paula Alonso Gomez
Dancers of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève: Yumi Aizawa, Jared Brown, Adelson Carlos, Anna Cenzuales, Zoé Charpentier, Quintin Cianci, Nikita Goile, Ricardo Gomes Macedo, Julio León Torres, Chien-Shun Liao, Emilie Meeus, Stefanie Noll, Riley O'Flynn, Juan Perez Cardona, Dylan Phillips, Luca Scaduto, Sara Shigenari, Kim Van der Put, Geoffrey Van Dyck, Nahuel Vega, Madeline Wong
Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève
Managing Director: Aviel Cahn
Ballet Director: Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
Partner of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre: INDOSUEZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT
A production of the Grand Théâtre de Genève and Johann Strauss 2025 Vienna and the Eastman Dance Company, in cooperation with ImPulsTanz and Tanzquartier Wien.