Neon Dance: Last And First Men

Neon Dance presents a contemporary dance work set to the backdrop of Johann Jóhannsson‘s 16mm black and white film, with specially recorded narration from Tilda Swinton and a mesmerising orchestral score composed by Jóhannsson and Yair Elazar Gotman.

Last and First Men takes Olaf Stapledon’s visionary 1930 sci-fi novel and transforms it into a deeply moving exploration of humanity’s dystopian future. The film’s vast, surreal imagery becomes a stage for movement.

A future race of humans finds itself on the verge of extinction. Almost all that’s left in the world are lone and surreal monuments, beaming their message into the wilderness. The last remnants of humanity – the last men – reach back across two billion years to speak to us, the first men. 

Striking choreography breathes life into this haunting vision of a world beyond our own – one shaped by extraordinary abilities, new possibilities, and profound difference.

Led by choreographer Adrienne Hart, Neon Dance presents a compelling hybrid performance featuring world renowned dance artists Fukiko Takase, Aoi Nakamura, and Kelvin Kilonzo, with costume artefacts from the award winning Ana Rajčević.

Created by Neon Dance

Concept & Direction: Adrienne Hart

Film: Jóhann Jóhannsson

Musical Direction: Yair Elazar Glotman

Composition: Johann Jóhannsson & Yair Elazar Glotman

Choreography: Adrienne Hart in collaboration with Fukiko Takase, Kelvin Kilonzo, Aoi Nakamura, Makiko Aoyama

Dance Performance: Fukiko Takase, Kelvin Kilonzo, Aoi Nakamura 

Lighting Design: Nico De Rooij 

Costume Design: Mikio Sakabe & Ana Rajcevic

Artefacts: Ana Rajcevic

Supported by: CTM Festival Berlin, Sadler’s Wells, Swindon Dance, Pavilion Dance South West

Funded by: Arts Council England

Post-Show Q&A

Join us on Fri 27 Feb for a post-show Q&A with choreographer Adrienne Hart and the dancers of Last and First Men. This event is free for ticket holders.

Neon Dance Workshop

On Sat 28 Feb, dance artist Fukiko Takase will lead an exclusive free 90 minute workshop for professional and semi-professional dance artists, dancers, full-time dance students aged 18 and above, and movement enthusiasts. Free for ticket holders. Find out more here.

Kuniko Maeda: The Room – Sculpture Exhibition

Running alongside performances of Last and First Men is The Room, a free exhibition by artist Kuniko Maeda, whose work combines traditional Japanese craft techniques with contemporary processes to explore themes of transformation, impermanence, and sustainability. Click here to find out more.