Opera and dance combined: Último Helecho delights in Vienna!

Opera and dance combined: Último Helecho delights in Vienna!

The new production "Último Helecho" by François Chaignaud and Nina Laisné delights the audience at ImPulsTanz in Vienna. This innovative piece, which premiered on July 19, 2025 at the Volkstheater Vienna, combines dance and singing in a creative way. Chaignaud, who already caused a stir with a unique performance at the Vienna Festival, relies on a cross-genre approach here. The title “Último Helecho,” which means “The Last Fern” in German, references a song by Peruvian artist Chabuca Granda and reflects the cultural nuances that permeate the performance.

With a running time of 1 hour and 10 minutes without an intermission, the performance stands out for its atmosphere. The stage setup is dark and cavernous, which adds to the emotional depth of the work. Chaignaud and his partner Nadia Larcher interact in magnificent baroque costumes and offer an exciting mix of traditional Argentine songs and contemporary dance. The decision not to follow a clear plot in the classical sense makes the production a collaged opera that places a strong emphasis on the interaction between music and movement. Loud nachtkritik.de The aim of this artistic collaboration is to question and dissolve the separation between dance and song that often prevails in modern art.

Artistic collaboration and cast

The artistic direction and set design are by Nina Laisné, while Chaignaud directs the choreography and performance. The ensemble is supported by an orchestra of six musicians who use a variety of instruments such as tenor trombone, serpent and bandoneon. An artistic collaboration will also be continued by Nadia Larcher, who is responsible for musical advice. The music and the movements merge brilliantly here, supported by the lighting design by Abigail Fowler and the technical implementation of the lighting and sound team, who take care of the acoustic subtleties and visual effects.

Support for this ambitious production comes from numerous international co-production partners. Among them are PACT Zollverein and the Berliner Festspiele, which underlines the importance of "Último Helecho" in the international cultural sector. These collaborations are not only crucial for the financial aspects, but also enable cultural exchange between the institutions involved.

A look at dance research in Vienna

In parallel to developments in the field of contemporary dance, the MUK (University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna) offers a platform for artistic research. Her focus is on combining scientific and artistic approaches to contemporary dance. This runs through various projects, promoting inclusion in art and exploring new aesthetics and politics in dance. Here it becomes clear that the artistic engagement with dance goes far beyond the stage and includes current social issues. In this regard, the interaction between art and research in the artistic process should also be promoted. For example, projects like DANCR work at the intersection of art and technology to explore innovative approaches to dance, according to muk.ac.at is currently taking place in several multi-year research projects.

"Último Helecho" is more than just an artistic performance; it is a reflection of the cultural and artistic trends that are currently pulsating in Vienna. The combination of song, dance, and interdisciplinary collaboration could pave a new path in contemporary art. So we can only hope that the Viennese audience will continue to be treated to such creative adventures.