RAIZ | WEGE BE-GREIFEN

Samir Calixto & Kossi Sebastian Aholou-Wokawui

When old and new roots intertwine.

Samir Calixto, who has choreographed several times for Of Curious Nature, returns to Bremen with a deeply personal solo work. In RAIZ (Portuguese for “root”), he powerfully traces the path from his Brazilian origins to his current artistic identity. As a small child, he witnessed rituals handed down from African culture in which music and movement served to reconnect people with their roots. These “ceremonies,” with their intensity and richness of rhythms and sounds, left a lasting mark on his artistic development.

Originally trained as a classical singer, the choreographer is known for his distinctive way of using iconic works from Western music history as inspiration for compelling dance pieces.

In RAIZ, the audience experiences how his stage work, in its contemporary connection between his cultural heritage and the Western musical canon, attains an essential human depth and universality.

The dancer and choreographer Kossi Sébastien Aholou-Wokawui complements Calixto’s piece with a solo that enters into dialogue with his own ancestors—those who were taken, among other places, to Brazil, far from their homeland, yet preserved their dignity. In this way, he casts choreographic spotlights on the interweaving of African and Brazilian cultures.

Concept, choreography, lighting, costume, stage design: Samir Calixto | Choreographic assistance (final rehearsals): Jeanne Hensinger | Technical direction: Joost Smit and Ted Maree | Production: matter affects in co-production with Zwolse Theaters, Schouwburg De Lawei, Rabo Theater De Meenthe, and Scenario Pubblico.