Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall

In the biblical story of Babel, God confuses the languages of people attempting to build a tower to heaven. For this exceptionally apt modern retelling, choreographers Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Damien Jalet explore the obstacles to communication that have led us to a deepening fragmentation of humanity. Raw vocalizations and explosive drums ricochet off walls imagined by sculptor Antony Gormley. A visceral clash of cultures erupts, yielding either chaos or enlightenment.

“Heartbreaking beauty and hopefulness…the most fiercely resonant dance theatre of the decade.”
—Guardian (U.K.)
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, choreography
Damien Jalet, choreography
Antony Gormley, visual design
Patrizia Bovi, Mahabub Khan, Sattar Khan, Gabriele Miracle, Shogo Yoshii, music