Alliance of International Production Houses

In this dance production, ten youngsters let their energy flow freely: explosive and vulnerable. On the thin line between festivity and rebellion. ULTRA poses questions on the role of typically masculine behaviour in our changing times. Above all it’s a portrait of a group of teens in a world full of expectations and labels. Choreographer Reut Shemesh draws inspiration from an encounter with German ‘Ultra’ football fans to explore these complexities in the piece ULTRA. The performance features adolescents aged 15 to 21 engaging in a ritual which blends joy and aggression, revealing the vulnerability beneath their loud expressions. ULTRA is a poignant exploration of masculinity and addresses the challenges and opportunities for youngsters growing up in a world of shifting norms.

Cologne-based choreographer Reut Shemesh made a name for herself in the German dance scene and was an artist in residence at K3 / Hamburg and at tanzhaus nrw Düsseldorf, where fABULEUS regularly guests. Reut Shemesh joins together two fascinations: On the one hand, interest in power and group dynamics, on the other hand personal questions, regarding so-called masculinity, she asks herself as a mother.

Concept, choreography: Reut Shemesh; creation, performance: Andreas Crommelinck, Jinte De Greef, Luna Fall, Emma Ghijs, Kyano Holbrechts, Karsten Janssens, Glory Ofori-Asamoah, Mathis Schellekens, Ridder Seghers, Fien Simons; choreography assistance: Katja Pire; dramaturgy: Daniel Rademacher; set, video and lighting design: Ronni Shendar; music: Simon Bauer; costumes: Joëlle Meerbergen; costume design assistant: Femke Vanweddingen; co-creation: fABULEUS, Reut Shemesh Company.