Ohad Naharin and the Batsheva Dance Company in Berlin: Black Elegy

At the end of the “Momo” rehearsal in the Berlin Festival House, an announcement comes from the technology: “Protests have been announced. If people interrupt during the performance, we move on. When they storm the stage, the dancers leave.” Less than twenty seconds, the topic is over. The Batsheva Dance Company from Tel Aviv and its resident choreographer Ohad Naharin are used to disruptions. They have been living with it since BDS – abbreviation for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions – took a stand against the state of Israel. Artists who receive financial support should also be canceled worldwide: no more invitations, no guest performances.