Nejla Yatkin’s “Ouroboros” is set to captivate audiences with its immersive, evening-length solo dance performance, presented in the round. This mesmerizing exploration of memory, cyclical time, and cultural paradox draws inspiration from the ancient healing symbol of the ouroboros, while deeply rooted in Yatkin’s Turkish heritage. The performance weaves together elements of traditional Turkish dance, such as the proud and slow-paced Zeybek from the Aegean region, with contemporary movements and storytelling.
Yatkin, a 2023 Guggenheim Fellow, masterfully blends storytelling in English, German, Turkish, and American Sign Language with contemporary and Middle Eastern dance, accompanied by live cabaret-style song. The performance is a tribute to her Turkish heritage, with a tent-inspired set that welcomes audiences with the scents of rosewater and the flavors of traditional Anatolian treats like Turkish delights.
Ouroboros makes a Cambridge debut
“Ouroboros” embodies feminine wisdom and explores lost histories, highlighting humanity’s profound connection to dance and language. Developed with a talented creative team, including the late composer Shamou and dramaturg Joanna Furnans, this piece is a testament to the power of art in bridging cultures and disciplines.
The New York Times said of Yatkin:
Ms. Yatkin is a magician, telling tales and creating worlds with understated images. She is after more than choreography.
Funded by the NPN Creation Fund and supported by NEFA’s National Dance Project, “Ouroboros” promises to be a transformative experience. After the performance, audiences are invited to join a dance after-party, further immersing themselves in the world Yatkin has created.
About New England’s Dance Complex
The Dance Complex, now in its 34th year, stands as a vibrant hub for dance in New England, fostering a diverse community of professional, pre-professional, and recreational dancers within its historic Cambridge facility. This dynamic center hosts over 100 dance concerts annually, providing a supportive environment with affordable rental rates and a professional staff, attracting artists from around the world who bring a rich tapestry of global dance styles to its welcoming space.
Learn more and reserve tickets here.
Catch “Ouroboros” at The Dance Complex’s Julie Ince Thompson Theater in Cambridge’s Central Square neighborhood on March 22 at 8 PM and March 23 at 7 PM, this weekend only!