Alain Platel, founder of Les Ballets C De La B, is renowned for creating challenging, provocative works – from the emotionally charged vsprs in 2006 to Wolf in 2004 (which included 14 dogs on stage). This latest production, pitié!, reunites Platel with vsprs composer Fabrizio Cassol to create an intense study of Bach’s extraordinary composition Matthew Passion.

Platel’s daring reinvention of Bach’s masterpiece explores our ability to sympathise by approaching the central story of the crucifixion from the perspective of the mother. By working extensively with a cast of 10 dancers over a period of months, Platel questions the limits of the individual’s ultimate sacrifice: himself.

The extremes of emotion are amplified by Cassol’s ambitious score, which draws on the essence of Bach’s music, and is performed live on stage by eight musicians including regular Les BAllets C De La B collaborators Aka Moon, plus three singers.

Les Ballets C De La B: Alain Platel’s Pitié! at Sadler’s Wells is a UK premiere.

Find out more about the rich variety of West End shows on offer in Theatreland.