Rewire is proud to present the opening programme of its 13th festival edition, happening on Thursday 4 April. Today’s announcement includes Neon Dance; Jóhann Jóhannsson & Yair Elazar Glotman’s live-performance Last and First Men, narrated by Tilda Swinton; and Annea Lockwood’s iconic Piano Burning.
‘Last and First Men’
Based on the ground-breaking 1930 novel by Olaf Stapledon, ‘Last and First Men’ 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 string quartet at Koninklijke Schouwburg.
Annea Lockwood ‘Piano Burning’
As part of the focus programme around the pioneering composer, sound artist, and musician Annea Lockwood, Rewire is proud to present the iconic work Piano Burning on The Hague’s Lange Voorhout. Its score reads poetically: “Set upright piano (not a grand) in an open space with the lid closed. Spill a little lighter fluid on a twist of paper and place inside, near the pedals. Light it. Balloons may be stapled to the piano. Play whatever pleases you for as long as you can.” The piece asks what kind of sonic rebirth might happen amidst engulfing flames and billowing smoke.
Tickets
There are separate tickets available for Neon Dance, Jóhann Jóhannsson & Yair Elazar Glotman’s ‘Last and First Men’, and for Annea Lockwood’s ‘Piano Burning’, as well as a very limited amount of friendly priced Thursday Passes, granting access to both performances. Book now via rewirefestival.nl/tickets
Neon Dance, Jóhann Jóhannsson & Yair Elazar Glotman, Tilda Swinton
‘Last and First Men’
Venue: Koninklijke Schouwburg
19.30 doors open, start: 20.15
Annea Lockwood
‘Piano Burning’
Venue: to be announced
21.45 - 22.45
*Times subject to change