Betroffenheit

Betroffenheit is a word which means trauma, bewilderment and shock. A fitting title for this boundary-stretching hybrid of theater and dance, created by Crystal Pite and Jonathon Young.

The powerful performance is inspired by Young’s real-life trauma, conjuring art from the pain of losing his daughter, niece and nephew in a fire.

Combining tap, salsa, spoken word, song and puppetry, Betroffenheit is a witty, tender exploration of isolation and coming to terms with tragedy. It was the recipient of the 2017 Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production and the Outstanding Performance in Modern Dance at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards.

Watch this thrilling performance recorded during its sold out run at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre.