Germany, South Africa connect through Don't Trust the Border

DTTB is an exploration of the traversed boundaries of human rationale in the context of geographical and personal borders. It looks at borders as a dynamic phenomenon that can emerge, disappear, and re-emerge as internal zones of negotiation and helps the audience to understand borders as penetrable and changing constructions that allow communities to negotiate, re-organise, and ultimately be modified.

The DTTB crew, influenced by Pina Bausch's theories and works, crosses the borders between dance, film installation and theatre with an overall team of celebrated international performers, visual artists, composers, designers, and innovators.

Dr André Schulz, general manager Lufthansa Group, Southern Africa comments: "Lufthansa believes in the development of young talent and in supporting local communities and is proud to be able to once again help young talents to be one step closer to achieving their dreams."

"Partnering with Jessica on her DTTB project represents a convergence of the overall Lufthansa brand, tapping into lifestyle experiences, and as an airline, we get to share the success with the DTT B crew and jointly inspire local communities."

Jessica Nupen adds: "The DTTB project is a triumph of our time and a celebration of our diversity, and the experience is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the way dance is celebrated across the world”. She adds, “We are excited about the challenges that lie ahead, travelling overseas with the team and now bringing the show back to South Africa, will see the culmination of all our work come together in a magnificent work of art. We are grateful to Lufthansa for affording us this opportunity and experience."

Nupen currently produces her work in Germany and South Africa and her celebrated dance pieces have previously been performed in Kampnagel, Deutsches Theater Munich, the International Ballet Gala at the Theater Dortmund, as well as the Eigenarten and Hauptsache Frei Festivals in Hamburg, Osnabrück.

The Don’t Trust The Border South African Premier will showcase in Johannesburg at William Kentridge’s Centre for the Less Good Idea on 19 October, with a matinee on 20 October 2018.