Core Viewpoint - The performance "Kontakthof: Echoes of '78" showcases the enduring legacy of Pina Bausch's work, featuring original dancers who are now in their 70s and 80s, reflecting on aging and the passage of time [1][5][27] Group 1: Performance Overview - The performance took place from November 7 to 9 at the Shanghai International Dance Center, marking its Asian premiere and was commissioned by the Shanghai International Arts Festival [1] - The show sold out immediately, highlighting its popularity and significance [1] - It is a collaboration involving the Sadler's Wells Theatre in the UK, the Pina Bausch Foundation, and the Wuppertal Dance Theatre [1] Group 2: Historical Context - Pina Bausch, a pivotal figure in 20th-century dance, created over 40 works since 1973, establishing the "Tanztheater" style that explores profound themes of human existence [2][3] - "Kontakthof" was created during a crucial period in Bausch's artistic development, marking a shift in her creative approach [8][9] Group 3: Artistic Contributions - The performance features multiple versions, including a 2000 version with dancers over 65 and a 2008 youth version, showcasing its adaptability and relevance across generations [5] - Meryl Tankard, a core member of the original cast, directed the current version, emphasizing the importance of revisiting the work as a dialogue between past and present [5][14] Group 4: Themes and Emotional Impact - The performance explores themes of connection and disconnection, with a focus on the emotional complexities of human interactions [6][10] - It invites the audience to confront feelings of discomfort and vulnerability, reflecting on the nature of relationships and the passage of time [10][14] Group 5: Dancer Reflections - Dancers express a profound emotional connection to their past performances, noting the impact of revisiting their roles and the memories associated with them [15][25] - The experience of performing again brings a mix of nostalgia and realization of personal growth over the years [15][17][25]

Core Viewpoint - Pina Bausch's masterpiece "The Rite of Spring" will be showcased at the Shanghai International Arts Festival, marking the second consecutive year that one of her significant works is performed in Shanghai, highlighting her enduring influence even 16 years after her passing [1] Group 1: Performance Details - "The Rite of Spring" will be presented at the Shanghai International Arts Festival from late October to early November [1] - This performance follows last year's successful presentation of "The Rite of Spring (African Version)" [1] Group 2: Literature and Research - Two books about Pina Bausch were recently read: "Pina Bausch: Creator of Dance Theatre" by Lloyd Kleinman and "Dancing Against Fear" by Jochen Schmidt [3] - Kleinman's book is the first comprehensive study of Bausch in the English-speaking world, exploring her life, thoughts, and creative methods, particularly focusing on "The Rite of Spring" [3] - Schmidt's biography, the first in the Chinese-speaking world, offers a more emotional perspective on Bausch's life and works [3] Group 3: Early Works and Influence - "Iphigenia in Tauris," an early representative work of Bausch, premiered in 1974, alongside "The Rite of Spring" and "The Rite of Spring," both of which premiered in 1978, showcasing their lasting impact [3][4] - Bausch's early work "Iphigenia in Tauris" is noted for its grand scale and complexity, characteristics of her early productions [6] - The initial reception of Bausch's first work "Fritz" was negative, but her subsequent work "Iphigenia in Tauris" received critical acclaim, marking a turning point in her career [7] Group 4: Artistic Development - Bausch's early works, including "Iphigenia in Tauris," reflect her exploration of Greek tragedy and the human condition, showcasing a blend of dance and theater [8][9] - The minimalist stage design and expressive movements in her early works foreshadowed her later developments in dance theater [9][10] - The evolution from her early works to later masterpieces illustrates Bausch's journey in redefining dance theater and her significant contributions to the art form [10]