A one-of-a-kind live event fusing music, film and dance, Last and First Men by Neon Dance comes to Bristol Beacon for its UK premiere with live score, the only chance to experience this extraordinary performance with live music in the UK. 

Based on Jóhann Jóhannsson’s haunting final film and completed by Yair Elazar Glotman, the work merges 16mm visuals, Tilda Swinton’s narration, and Jóhannsson’s stirring score with bold, physical choreography. Set two billion years in the future, the story imagines a final message from the last remnants of humanity, beings shaped by profound evolution, difference, and hope.

Presented in collaboration with Encounters Film Festival, this powerful, hybrid performance places world-class contemporary dance at the heart of a deeply cinematic, immersive experience.

The performance is with live audio description from Louise Dickson, Illuminate Freedom and a pre show touch tour will take place from 19.00 – 19.30 with Adrienne Hart for visually impaired audience members and their support workers only.

Creative team

Concept & Direction Adrienne Hart
Film Jóhann Jóhannsson
Musical Direction Yair Elazar Glotman
Composition Johann Jóhannsson & Yair Elazar Glotman
Choreography Adrienne Hart in collaboration with Fukiko Takase, Kelvin Kilonzo, Aoi Nakamura, Makiko Aoyama
Dance Performance Fukiko Takase, Kelvin Kilonzo, Aoi Nakamura
Music Performance Else Torp, Echo Collective (Margaret Hermant, violin; Neil Leiter, viola; Charlotte Danhier, cello; Jaroslaw Mroz, Bass; Sophie Bayet, violin) & Rick Vincent Will.
Collective String (Margaret Hermant, violin; Neil Leiter, viola; Charlotte Danhier, cello; Jaroslaw Mroz, Bass)
Lighting Design Nico De Rooij
Costume Design Mikio Sakabe & Ana Rajcevic
Artefacts Ana Rajcevic
Technical Management Rick Vincent Will
Photography Miles Hart
Graphic Design Naile Muslu
International Tour Management Disk Agency / Remco Schuurbiers
Project Management Maeve O’Neill

Performance times

Doors: 19.30
Start: 20:00
End: 21:10

(65 mins, no interval)

All timings are approximate and subject to change

Supported by CTM Festival Berlin, Sadler’s Wells, Swindon Dance, Pavilion Dance South West
Funded by Arts Council England