Wilderness, choreographed by Tony Adigun, is a captivating exploration of nature’s rhythms and the human connection to the forest. Inspired by Robert Cohan’s 1977 classic Forest, this work was commissioned by The Place and featured 24 young dancers from The Place’s Children and Young Dancers programme and its Centre for Advanced Training. Adigun skillfully translated the organic stillness and precision of a forest into a magical performance filled with purpose and vitality.

Set against Mickie Mannion’s evocative lighting design, the dancers moved rhythmically within illuminated squares, embodying the spirit of forest creatures. The pulsing phrasing of music by Scandinavian and Uruguayan composers replaced natural sounds, creating a unique interplay between movement and sound. This piece not only celebrated the exuberance and raw energy of youth but also paid homage to Cohan’s legacy while looking forward to the next generation of dancers inspired by his work.

Key Details:

Choreography: Tony Adigun
Lighting Design: Mickie Mannion
Inspiration: Forest (1977) by Robert Cohan
Commissioned by: The Place