July 25th – 27th, 2025 New National Theatre Opera Palace, Tokyo
130 minutes (incl. one intermission)
Sans Souci
PLAY was created for the Paris Opera Ballet Company by Alexander Ekman, the Swedish choreographer outstanding in the contemporary dance scene. For its global stage premiere in 2017, it thrilled audiences with its fantastic and astonishing stage performance.
Alexander Ekman gained global recognition as the 2024 Paris Paralympics opening ceremony director and choreographer. As he explains, “I always try to find subjects that most of us can relate to. When we are kids, playing feels natural and normal, but as we grow older many of us stop playing, then there is almost an uncomfortable feeling around it. I wanted to create a work that sparks questions and makes people reflect on their own relationship with play.”
On stage, 43 talented dancers bring vibrant energy to the performance, using various play props like jump ropes and rubber balls. The show surprises and delights audiences with smiles and excitement while also challenging them with profound questions and encouraging deeper awareness.