NL premiere

A future race of humans finds itself on the verge of extinction. Almost all that’s left in the world are lone and surreal monuments, beaming their message into the wilderness. Across 2,000 million years, these last humans make contact with us, the first humans, telling their story and of their abilities, possibilities, and also their difference to us. The last humans not only offer their help, but also ask for help from us. Based on the ground-breaking 1930 novel by Olaf Stapledon, ‘Last and First Men’ (2020) concluded the inspiring career of the Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson. Neon Dance presents a stunning and unique contemporary dance performance set to the backdrop of Jóhannsson’s 16mm black and white film, with narration from Tilda Swinton and original score composed by Jóhannsson and Yair Elazar Glotman. ‘Last and First Men’ is a 60-minute live performance work featuring dance artists Fukiko Takase, Aoi Nakamura, and Kelvin Kilonzo, choreography by Adrienne Hart and with artefacts by the award winning Ana Rajčević. During Rewire 2024’s opening night the score will be performed live by Yair Elazar Glotman, Viktor Orri Árnason, Else Torp, and Echo Collective Quartet. The production features choreography from Adrienne Hart, lighting design from Nico De Rooij, and costume design from the award winning Ana Rajcevic and Mikio Sakabe.