any attempt will end in crushed bodies and shattered bones

With any attempt will end in crushed bodies and shattered bones, Jan Martens is for the first time fully turning his attention to the main stage. A production about the power that lies in being out of step, performed by a seventeen-strong, atypical corps de ballet made up of unique personalities.

The heterogeneous group of dancers spans several generations, the youngest being 18 and the eldest 71, with significant differences between them in terms of track record and technical background. In any attempt will end in crushed bodies and shattered bones, they seek their own voice within the dance and beyond, looking for an idiom that fits them like a glove. One by one they claim their place on stage, without cutting off the others for all that. A horizontal exercise in giving each other the necessary space, while being careful not to steal the limelight.

any attempt will end in crushed bodies and shattered bones is a rich performance that does not hesitate to seek out the ecstatic. In times of extreme polarization, this group sets social dogmas aside to recognize and embrace a range of distinct identities. Being uninhibitedly themselves – in both life and art – with the stage as their ideological testing ground. They are supported by a soundtrack that consists of protest songs from different ages – from Henryk Górecki via Max Roach & Abbey Lincoln to Kae Tempest.

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Selected for Het TheaterFestival 2022

PRESS

★★★★ 'Especially in the exuberant finale, with a sudden light switch and color change in the costumes, this pulsating power is very tangible. No wonder the audience in Avignon stood upright for minutes during the applause. This sizzling dance performance was well worth the wait.'

- Filip Tielens, De Standaard, 20 july 2021

'any attempt will end in crushed bodies and shattered bones is overwhelming because of the way in which the power of a large ensemble, so common for dance, is combined with the individual gait of many dancers. [...] A certain vulnerability emanates from the challenges Martens poses not only to his dancers, but also to himself. Everyone takes risks here, everyone is vulnerable. [...] The dancers visibly enjoy that last part. The performance is also very clearly a tribute to them - to the people who dare to stick their heads and their legs out on the stage of the world.' [critic's choice]

- Fransien van der Putt, Theaterkrant, 02 september 2021

'Jan Martens has put seventeen dancers on stage. One-headed like a corps de ballet, alarming like a docile herd. Incredibly diverse in appearance and inclinations, repetitive until it drives you crazy.'

- Bas Blaasse, pzazz, 22 october 2021

'By the end of Any attempt will end in crushed bodies and shattered bones, all the dancers have their own unique outfits, personal space and individual movement material, while at the same time the vitality and togetherness splashes from the stage. [...] Focused, compelling and convincing. [...] We see it and become delighted.'

- Jacq. Algra, Het Parool, 27 october 2021

★★★★★ 'Any attempt... [...], Martens' first for the main stage, is a dance performance you would like to send everyone to. Compelling, hopeful, moving. And relevant.'

- Francine van der Wiel, NRC, 29 october 2021

'With a sharp hand, Martens carries out the main cast without removing the expression of others. This makes Any Attempt a very cleverly conceived performance, which nevertheless never becomes severe, hermetic or celebral. On the contrary, it is admirably warm, good for an equally generous wave between the audience and the community on stage. Just what we desperately craved after all those contact-less months.'

- Jury report Het TheaterFestival 2022