Faith, imagination and stunning acrobatics merge in this awe-inspiring spiritual exploration.
Based on the rituals and traditions of Buddhist Shaolin monks, Sutra is a breathtaking contemporary movement piece using a stark, evolving stage design of wooden boxes, which is manipulated with athletic and artistic perfection by 17 Warrior Monks of the Shaolin Temple and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui who perform this piece.
Leading European choreographer and dancer, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui's productions are storybooks in motion which indirectly tell the audience about the nearby world and the distant world around them. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui uses a dance language which combines the best of very diverse styles and traditions to form a surprising whole.
Before creating Sutra, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui spent several months at China's Shaolin Temple, studying its philosophy and combining his skills with the formidable martial arts prowess of the monks.
The result is this truly miraculous creation that reveals and celebrates the unwavering skill, strength and spirituality of the Buddhist Shaolin monks.
Featuring music from Polish composer Szymon Brzóska and set design by Turner-prize winning artist Antony Gormley, Sutra deftly sets the philosophy and faith of Shaolin tradition within a dynamic and contemporary performance.
Since its first sell-out London performance at Sadler's Wells in May 2008, Sutra has received worldwide acclaim from audiences and critics alike so don't miss out on the chance to experience this physical and spiritual phenomenon for yourself during this year's Brisbane Festival.
Photo by Hugo Glendinning