Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui returns to the Netherlands with Sutra, an impressive fusion of dance and Shaolin tradition.

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui brings his internationally acclaimed dance performance Sutra to Amare in The Hague this week. Twenty years ago, the choreographer, who is known for collaborations with Madonna and Beyoncé, among others, retreated to the ancient Shaolin temple in China to unwind. What he found there changed both his life and his work: nineteen kung fu monks, with whom he created this spectacular dance performance that can be seen exclusively in the Netherlands from Wed 28 to Fri 30 May 2025.

The Flemish-Moroccan choreographer went to the temple seeking peace, but instead found the inspiration for an extraordinary performance that has received international acclaim. He told Marianne Vriesema (TROUW) that in the temple he became fascinated by the physical discipline, spiritual tradition and modern reality of the monks. That combination formed the basis for Sutra - a unique fusion of contemporary dance and ancient kung fu, with choreography intertwining animal movements and Buddhist symbolism.

Since its premiere at Sadler's Wells in London in 2008, Sutra has grown into a global sensation and is now being performed by the third generation of monks. The performance has already toured over eighty cities in forty countries and continues to touch people - through its stunning physical performances, but mostly through its depth. Themes such as identity, cultural clashes and belonging make Sutra as topical as it is timeless.

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Read the full interview  of  reserve your ticket for Sutra from Wed 28 to Fri 30 May 2025