A production of Theaterhaus Stuttgart


Always look on the bright side of life! The famous song by the British comedy group Monty Python could also be the motto of Nadav Zelner. For the 25-year-old choreographer from Israel is convinced that your approach to life should be nothing but: positive! With his – in the best sense of the word – colourful, crazy pieces, he has gone his own way early on. He produced dance videos, went on choreographic excursions into the genre of musicals and took on influences from the look and style of classic Hollywood movies. He soon caught the attention of Eric Gauthier who included two of Zelner's works in the repertoire: Chopsticks and the quirky Alte Zachen, which, in a special Stuttgart version, became the popular trailer of COLOURS International Dance Festival 2017.
Following the third cooperation with Gauthier Dance – the African inspired short choreography Bloom for the Meet the Talents format of the COLOURS festival – Eric Gauthier decided to entrust him with a premiere for the new season. As a result, Zelner is now in the middle of the creation process for his first full-length piece! A challenge he looks forward to with some pride and anticipation.
The cheeky title is to be understood in the same spirit. For BULLSHIT in the meaning of nonsense illustrates the way Zelner wants to work. Instead of probing profound issues, he relies on fantasy, humour and a light touch. His choreographic ideas unfold as intuitively and spontaneously as movement. Together with the set designer Netta Dror, Zelner has developed an amazing visual concept for his first big production. Following the slogan „think pink“, BULLSHIT will be immersed in all possible shades of this striking colour. The pink textile set as well as the costumes by Maor Zabar also constitute a sort of ethnic marker. The choice of music, which is absolutely essential for Zelner, points in the same direction – a powerful soundtrack by various African artists. This reference to, or rather his love for Africa dates to a journey two years ago which left Zelner deeply impressed. This is why he, typically tongue-in-cheek, means to turn the company into a „tribe“, driven by the boundless joy of passionate, elemental dancing. The necessary tension is provided by the contrast between the strong cohesion of the group and the individuality of every single member. The dancers have clearly defined characters and present themselves with their own solo. However, there can be no doubt as to the overall message of this true ensemble piece. It is a celebration of the kind of fellowship and togetherness that originates in dance. And, indeed, what better lesson is there for the audience to take home than: You are never alone when you dance.

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