We experience that which connects us, that which makes us our own, when we come together.

TAWA immerses Heerlen in a spectacular explosion of color during the festive opening of Cultura Nova. In celebration of a cultural ritual that is intertwined with the city after so many years. TAWA is a wonderful mix of live music, singing and challenging acrobatics at great heights. This latest performance by Gratte Ciel is being performed in the Netherlands for the first time.

During their many travels around the world, a great curiosity in rituals has been instilled in the creators of Gratte Ciel. Man’s ancient need to gather en masse to celebrate, cheer and commemorate is at the heart of TAWA; a spectacular aerial ritual, carried by the energy of a breath and the power of the body.

TAWA depicts the idea that man is in dialogue with the forces of nature. That man can unleash a storm, summon the sun and erupt a volcano with a rain of fire. From this dialogue, numerous myths and rituals have evolved, accompanying us for thousands of years. Even though today we rather classify most myths and rituals under folklore, spirituality still touches us. Inspired by the voladores (flying men) of pre-Columbian Mexico, Indian dream catchers and Sufi dance, TAWA gives ancient rites a new form and meaning. Gratte Ciel Under the artistic direction of Stéphane Girard and Camille Beaumier, Gratte Ciel creates organic, dreamlike performances through which the company aims to leave deep memories with the audience. In their work, this company uniquely connects their vertical playing field with the audience in horizontal space. Besides TAWA, Gratte Ciel’s enchanting performance ROUGE can also be seen during Cultura Nova in Kerkrade and Brunssum. Artistic direction Stéphane Girard and Camille Beaumier Associate Artist, scenography Thierry Pierras Music composition Christophe Menassier Costume design Alex Rigg, Anne Jonathan Choreography Philippe Mesia, Hervé Koubi Company TAWA was created with the support of the Direction Régionale des Affaires Culturelle Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, France Relance, la Région Sud, le Département des Bouches- du-Rhône and the city of Arles i.c.w. Le Cargo de Nuit, Idzia and Nickel Chrome