An untold story

About the work

My father said
Turn your pain into poetry
So I compose a lament
Like a fly stuck on the wall
Charmed by the bitter taste of rejection
Indulging in a glass of limoncello
I keep pouring myself
This spectacular party
Where everybody can be crushed
Proved to me that being happy is a martial art
– Nadav Zelner

Credits

Choreography: Nadav Zelner
Music: Ionica Minune: 'Barbu Lǎutaru', Electrecord.
Henry Ernst (aka Adrian Sical) / Fanfare Ciocarlia: 'Doina Si cintec, Balaseanca De 8 Or', Piranha.
Taraf de Haïdouks: 'Dumbala Dumba, Rustem, Cintece De Jale', Crammed Discs.
Taraful Ciuleandra: 'Hora Staccatto / Ciocarlia', ARC Music Productions Int. Ltd.
Robert Schumann, Daniel Barenboim: 'Kinderszenen Op.15:7. Traumerei', Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin.
Lighting design: Avi-Yona Bueno (Bambi)
Set design: Eran Atzmon
Costume design: Maor Zabar

NDT rehearsal directors: Lydia Bustinduy
Sound editor: Matan Onyameh
Duration: 30 minutes
Premiere date: Oct. 24, 2024
Premiere location: Amare, The Hague

Original cast

Nathanaël Plantier, Casper Mott, César Sautès-Vescovali, Miquel Martínez Pedro, Conner Chew, Rebecca Speroni, Viola Busi, Maša Anić, Giovanna Doria, Nathaniel Belnavis-Wright, Nathan Allen

Rehearsal | An untold story – Nadav Zelner

Miquel together with César in rehearsal © Sacha Grootjans

Miquel Martínez Pedro on 'An untold story'

“Nadav Zelner is a creator of universes. He is a human so full of life, humble, honest, and generous. Working with him has been a true pleasure and a huge challenge. His vitality and love for his work allow him to push the boundaries of the body and the mind in unimaginable ways. Surrendering to his way of working has allowed me to expand and find new paths within myself.

This new work is a kaleidoscope, various and changing. It is an ode to life, to all of it, the good, the bad and all the in between. There is space for celebration, fun, craziness and for oddness, intimacy, and vulnerability.

I would love for everyone who watches this piece to dive in with us, to surrender to the madness and to try to find all the little universes that compose the work, like shooting stars that appear and disappear in a fraction of a second.

Thank you Nadav for your generosity, thank you Lydia for your guidance and thanks to all my colleagues for their infinite support.

I hope you enjoy!”

Nathanaël Plantier on 'An Untold Story'

“Working with Nadav Zelner is a fast-paced, electrifying dream, where a multitude of stories and symbols reign over a physicality in constant acceleration.

The buzzing sensation of each step, meticulously crafted from his mind to ours makes for a thrilling piece.

It is like a challenge, with oneself, with the audience, that generates wonders on stage.

In this neon yellow universe, where flies and Limoncello collide, you will find deep poetry floating in the air, bouncing from side to side, like a fly.”