The score of the new performance by choreographer Sergiu Matis is composed of texts written by authors from around the globe about their personal experiences with our existentially threatened environment. These reflections, commissioned for “Earth Works”, are recited, translated and interpreted by five performers. Prompted by words and sentences, images, figures, choreographic spaces and atmospheres emerge through which the performers move: The text carries them through the choreography and the dancers, in turn, carry the words through the performance space. This interdependent movement gives the texts body and voice, oscillating between grief and hope, destruction and resilience. The performers are driven to act, to discover new pathways and give hope to a society that finds itself threatened by a sixth mass extinction event.

“Earth Works” is a continuation of Sergiu Matis’ long-standing artistic exploration of the climate and biodiversity crisis and the relationship between text and choreography.

“Earth Works” will premiere at Radialsystem as part of the :LOVE: cooperation between Tanzfabrik Berlin and Radialsystem. With the initiative “Radialsystem ♥ Tanzfabrik”, the two institutions are working together to improve the labor and presentation conditions of dance professionals in Berlin.