Bristol Old Vic Presents World Premiere Of BAAL By Impermanence

Critically acclaimed dance company Impermanence debuts its latest innovative creation, the first ever dance adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's play BAAL, in a one-off event on the main stage of the Bristol Old Vic.

Three years in the making (the initial scratch performance was nurtured during Bristol Old Vic's Ferment Fortnight in 2018) and packed with extreme physicality, dark humour and beautiful poetry, BAAL will see four exceptional dancers and a live musician grapple with love, sexuality, betrayal, nature and lust.

The tale was originally written in 1918 on Brecht's return from war, and since then, this ultimate anti-hero has been interpreted and performed by none other than David Bowie and the iconic German film-maker Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

In this groundbreaking new production from Bristol-based Impermanence, the company that created acclaimed hit shows Da-Da-Darling, Sexbox and the 2018 film The Ballet of the Nations, BAAL follows a path of consumption, greed and ultimate destruction; echoing the spiralling events of our current ecological crisis. This stunning multi-media production will feature a dual channel film, live music by composer Robert Bentall and lusciously designed costumes and set from Pam Tait.

Through 2019, Impermanence have curated a season of dance work with Bristol Old Vic, highlighting Bristol's hugely creative dance scene and shining a spotlight on an art form which needs championing in the city. BAAL marks the first main house debut for the company and sits within a week of nationally acclaimed dance work from Ballet Boyz and Ballet Black, both now established visitors to Bristol Old Vic's stage.

Bristol Old Vic producer Sian Weeding said:
It's hugely exciting for us to be working so closely with Impermanence on our dance programme. The company are at the forefront of re-energising dance in the city, curating work, performing and developing projects in true collaboration. We are thrilled they are bringing the fully-formed production of BAAL to our theatre stage after we were lucky enough to see it's early incarnation as part of Ferment Fortnight last year. The fact this is the first time Brecht's play has been adapted as a dance piece makes Bristol Old Vic the perfect venue .