Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Shantala Shivalingappa

Get ready for Play, a cross-cultural dance piece that juggles between theatre, chess and the games people play in life and in love.

Pioneering Flemish-Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui partners Indian-born dancer Shantala Shivalingappa in the art of Kuchipudi.

Kuchipudi, a classical dance form originally from south India, is renowned for its rhythmic complexity and grace.

Responding to its rhythmic patterns and gestural codes, Cherkaoui ventures into a world that he does not often get the chance to explore.

Play becomes a lesson on understanding and celebrating difference.

Play is inspired by, and dedicated to, the late Pina Bausch, who originally encouraged Cherkaoui and Shivalingappa to work together.