Alain Platel, born in 1956 in Ghent, is one of the most important choreographers of our time. He founded the Compagnie les ballets C de la B in his hometown in 1984 and has been a guest at euro-scene Leipzig with nine pieces over the years, most recently with “Requiem pour L.” in 2018. The concept for the competition “Das beste deutsche Tanzsolo” also comes from him.

At the Madrid Opera House in 2012, Alain Platel staged the play “C(h)œurs,” whose title brings together the French words cœurs (hearts) and chœurs (choirs). He chose choral works by two composers, Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) and Richard Wagner (1813-1883), who gave voice to the people in their great operas. The tension between the individual and the masses is heightened even further through dance.