Dance performance by the Compagnie Hervé Koubi (FR)

Icarus’ flight to the sun is both a paean to courage and a warning against human arrogance. Sol Invictus by the Compagnie Hervé Koubi is a passionate hymn to the unifying power of weightless dance in the face of the unconquerable sun. According to choreographer Hervé Koubi, the inspiration for this work came from his fascination for the universe and all forms of life: «Our insignificance and isolation within the unmeasurable cosmos can be daunting. Only when we take on the challenge of living our lives to the full and bringing light to our own darkness can we find meaning and fulfilment in our existence. Sol Invictus is a manifesto for life, my profession of love for dance, for its past, its present and its future.»

The Franco-Algerian choreographer’s troupe has forged an international reputation over the years for combining urbane and contemporary dance styles with powerful images. Their eclectic mix includes hip-hop artists and street dancers, who have learned and honed their craft in extreme environments such as the Amazon and Siberia. These extraordinarily talented dancers come from all around the world and form an ensemble brimming with diversity in both technique and style, and yet who have come to share a deep bond.

Compagnie Hervé Koubi:
Choreography: Hervé Koubi in Zusammenarbeit mit Fayçal Hamlat
Dancers: Ilnur Bashirov, Francesca Bazzucchi, Badr Benr Guibi, Joy Isabella Brown, Denis Cher Nykh, Beren d’Amico, Samuel da Silveira Lima, Youssef el Kanfoudi, Mauricio Farias da Silva, Abdelghani Ferradji, Elder Matheus Freitas Fernandes Oliveira, Vladimir Gruev, Hsuan-Hung Hsu, Pavel Krupa, Angèle Methangkoo-Robert, Ismail Oubbajaddi, Ediomar Pinheiro de Queiroz, Allan Sobral dos Santos, Karn Steiner, Anderson Vitor Santos
Light: Lionel Buzonie
Costumes: Guillaume Gabriel