By Sadler's Wells
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Antony Gormley with monks from the Shaolin Temple in China
Sutra
Sadler's Wells Associate Artist Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui is a choreographer well known for his curious nature and intriguing collaborations with other art forms. Sutra was inspired by the skill, strength and spirituality of Buddhist Shaolin Monks. It explores the philosophy and faith behind the Shaolin tradition and its relationship with Kung-Fu.
Sutra's iconic set was designed by Turner Prize-winning artist Antony Gormley. It comprises of human-sized wooden boxes which are manipulated, moved, stacked and cascaded by the cast to create a visually stunning production.
The music for Sutra was created by Polish composer Szymon Brzóska. It contains trace elements of Chinese traditional music and is both climactic and powerful and at points calming and tranquil.
The music is played on violin, viola, cello, piano and percussian
Monks from the 2010 cast (2010)Sadler's Wells
The cast is mostly made up of monks for the Shaolin Temple in China.
The cast includes one young monk who is supported by two others on tour.
First Sutra rehearsals (2008)Sadler's Wells
The first workshops and rehearsals for Sutra took place at the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, China.
A sketch of the Sutra set by Antony Gormley by Antony Gormley and 2008Sadler's Wells
A first sketch of the set by Antony Gormley.
Playing with the boxes (2008)Sadler's Wells
Creating Sutra (2008)Sadler's Wells
Rehearsing at the Temple (2008)Sadler's Wells
Rehearsing Sutra (2008) by Thomas DhanensSadler's Wells
A set of miniature boxes was made to help in the creation process. This eventually became part of the set.
Sidi Larbi & Antony Gormley - rehearsals with Shaolin MonksSadler's Wells
In rehearsals in China
Sutra by Hugo GlendinningSadler's Wells
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui also performed in Sutra.
Sutra by Hugo GlendinningSadler's Wells
Sutra by Andree LanthierSadler's Wells
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui was replaced by Ali Thabet (pictured) and Damien Fournier, both who whom had been assistant choreographers from the start of the project, alongside Satoshi Kudo.
Sutra by Andree LanthierSadler's Wells
Sutra by Andree LanthierSadler's Wells
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui & Antony Gormley with monks from the Shaolin Temple - Sutra by Sadler's WellsSadler's Wells
A clip from the final production of Sutra.
Taking flight on the London Eye (2008) by Andrew LangSadler's Wells
Since 2008, Sutra has toured around the world to as far flung places as France, China, Spain, New Zealand and Taiwan.
Being a tourist in London (2008) by Andrew LangSadler's Wells
Rehearsing in Tivoli (2008) by Kado SatoshiSadler's Wells
Preparing for Sutra in Avignon (2008) by Leila RansleySadler's Wells
Relaxing in the outdoor theatre at El Grec Festival, Barcelona (2008) by Leila RansleySadler's Wells
A press call in Brussels (2008) by Thomas DhanensSadler's Wells
Warming up on stage at La Monnaie in Brussels (2008) by Thomas DhanensSadler's Wells
On tour in Macau (2009) by Li JingSadler's Wells
On tour in Paris (2009)Sadler's Wells
Outside the venue in Lisbon (2010)Sadler's Wells
A press call in Wellington (2010)Sadler's Wells
Visiting the new National Arts Centre in Taiwan (2015) by Sandra Castell-GarciaSadler's Wells
Posing for a photo outside Sadler's Wells in London (2013) by Lucy WhiteSadler's Wells
A Sadler's Wells London production.
Co-produced with Athens Festival, Festival de Barcelona Grec, Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg, La Monnaie Brussels,Festival d'Avignon, Fondazione Musica per Roma, Shaolin Cultural Communications Company
