The full moon rises over Pina Bausch’s world of love of brutality.

Meaning “full moon” or “high tide”, Vollmond has a reputation for sending people wild. Be transported to a stark, rocky landscape with glistening pools of water and never-ending rain.

This series of extended solos moves between the cruelty and sadness which torment the dancers and lovers on stage; a trademark of Pina Bausch’s “familiar world of ritualised courtship and conflict” (Guardian).

They run through ankle-deep water, swim across the moat underneath the tall rock, glide, swim and crash against walls and dance wildly in Marion Cito’s flowing dresses, which become completely drenched.

Vollmond was one of the last works ever made by Bausch in 2006, and was last performed at Sadler’s Wells in 2013.

Header image description: A couple wearing black formal wear, kisses. The woman’s arms are straight at her sides, suggesting surprise at the kiss. In the background, a giant rock resembling a meteor looms.

Header image © Martin Argyroglo