Emanuel Gat Dance - ‘Five days in the sun’

One of Gustav Mahler’s most famous symphonies—and a cornerstone of the classical repertoire—has inspired many choreographers. While Roland Petit and John Neumeier each set only the celebrated Adagietto to dance, Emanuel Gat, with Five Days in the Sun, engages with almost the entire emotional and musical journey. Renowned for his ability to compose movement as if it were music—as demonstrated in his recent Freedom Sonata—he now creates a piece for twelve performers set to the “Fifth.” Within an open space shaped by a complex system of dynamic lighting, Gat weaves together despair and joy, tension and release, introspection and motion, crafting a narrative arc from love to death. Without telling a literal story, the work moves through experiences of transformation, resilience, and catharsis. A significant milestone in Emanuel Gat’s artistic path, it also marks a new chapter for his company. Based in Marseille, the ensemble now brings together twelve young dancers selected through auditions from around the world, including three from the city itself. Clad in long, flowing translucent silk costumes designed by Inez Wicher, they become the sensory vessels of this journey toward renewal. Coproduction: Festival de Danse Cannes – Côte d’Azur Created in 2026 – Piece for 12 performers Choreography, Set Design, and Lighting: Emanuel Gat Music: Gustav Mahler, Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp minor Costumes: VICHER Performers: Emma Bogerd, Théo Brassart, Geremia Cappagli, Léa Delaporte, Zohar Kotz, Itai Meir, Giulia Quacqueri, Johanne Skogstad, Katherina Solvang, Noah Tyrell, Anaïs Van Caekenberghe, Winter Wieringa ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION - HI5 Studio, Palais des Festivals Saturday 5 December – 2.30pm to 4.30pm Free admission, subject to availability. PERFORMANCE by Théo TOUVET – ‘Ritournelle’ 8.15pm – Debussy Theatre Foyer Free admission upon presentation of a ticket for the performance