Approximately 60’; no interval.

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui / Sadler’s Wells London
Antony Gormley / Szymon Brzóska with monks from the Shaolin Temple

Direction and Choreography: Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
Visual Creation and Design: Antony Gormley
Music: Szymon Brzóska
A Sadler’s Wells London Production
Co-produced by: Athens Festival, Festival de Barcelona Grec, Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg, La Monnaie Brussels, Festival d`Avignon, Fondazione Musica per Roma, Shaolin Cultural Communications Company

This unforgettable show is a meeting of martial arts with modern dance and strength with tranquillity. Sutra was conceived when the monks of the famous Shaolin Temple, the 1,500 years old Buddhist school, and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, one of the most influential choreographers of our times, came together. With the collaboration of nineteen monks from this monastery who have mastered the martial arts, Cherkaoui has succeeded in creating an artistic universe that touches the hearts of the audience. Sutra presents a breath-taking experience in which dance meets tradition and spirit with physical discipline.

Hailed by The Times for “exceeding even our highest expectations” and by The Guardian as a “unique, profoundly imagined work that takes the concept of cultural exchange to a new level”, Sutra is also a tribute to Kung Fu. Bruce Lee had succeeded in inspiring generations to come by spreading Asian martial arts philosophy to the West with the striking demonstrations of meditative Kung Fu. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui approaches the monks as dancers based on this powerful image created by Lee.

Sutra is an extraordinary show that explores the philosophy and faith behind the Shaolin tradition and its relationship with Kung Fu within a contemporary context. With its striking stage design featuring 21 wooden boxes designed by the famous sculptor Antony Gormley and the live piece written for piano, percussions and strings by the Polish composer Szymon Brzóska, this show captures the hearts and dreams of the audience. Sutra has been performed in 33 countries at 83 cities for over 250 thousand viewers. Do not miss the chance to see Sutra!