We Humans

The 18th International Festival of Contemporary Dance, entitled We Humans, takes place at La Biennale di Venezia from July 18th to August 3rd, 2024. Directed by Wayne McGregor, this year’s edition delves into the essence of human existence, exploring movement as a fundamental expression of our being. The festival features seven world premieres, two European premieres and eleven Italian premieres, with over 160 artists and 80 events.

McGregor, Artistic Director of the Dance Department, emphasises that this year’s edition focuses on the expressiveness of the human body and its philosophical act of communication through dance. The festival includes renowned artists such as Cristina Caprioli, Trajal Harrell and Shiro Takatani, as well as emerging talents such as the Miller de Nobili Dance Theatre. Participants will explore various mediums, including AI, technology and traditional dance forms, to present works with political, social and ethical dimensions.

Key performances include the European premiere of Cheng Tsung-lung’s Waves, the Italian debut of Afro-Colombian company Sankofa Danzafro and Benji Reid’s innovative hip-hop theatre. The festival also features an experimental film installation: De Humani Corporis Fabrica by Véréna Paravel and Lucien Castaing-Taylor, which provides a reflective core to the event. Audiences will be able to engage in conversations, workshops and discussions with the festival’s protagonists, enhancing their experience.

This year’s theme, We Humans, aims to unravel the complexities and mysteries of human life, highlighting the intertwined relationship between dance and humanity. McGregor envisions the festival as a choral experience, emphasising the collective “we” in dance, a ritualistic and primal art form that connects performers and audiences alike.

To further immerse yourself in the world of contemporary dance and explore how it blurs the boundaries between art and life, we invite you to read our interview with the innovative collective (LA) HORDE.