BAM CUP 2014

Every four years the world turns its eyes towards the World Cup as 32 nations battle it out for the title of greatest footballing (soccer) nation. Here at BAM a different competition has begun. As the premier New York venue for international artists, we decided to host our own sporting competition of sorts, the inaugural BAM Cup.

Artists and companies from around the world (and one from USA!), representing performances and films from BAM seasons past and future, are competing in a tournament that quite literally is too abstract to explain. What we can promise is that the results ALWAYS mirror those of the World Cup.

We've watched the group rounds with fervor and anticipation, and the drama has not disappointed: upsets galore, bites, and some truly stellar acting. 16 countries have emerged and the knockout rounds have begun. It’s Art vs Art, Performers vs Performers.

And here are the teams:

Teams still in the mix:


GERMANY
Berliner Ensemble
Always a joy to watch, this skillful German team returns to the Next Wave Festival in the fall in Robert Wilson's Shakespeare's Sonnets, with music by Rufus Wainwright.


ARGENTINA
Brenda Angiel Aerial Dance Company
This "team" (who appeared at BAM with Doug Varone and Dancers during the 2013 Next Wave Festival) moves like no other as they glide through the air. Aerial kicks? Claro que sí.


And those (sadly) no longer in the running:

BRAZIL
Grupo Corpo
Admired for its athleticism and blend of Afro-Brazilian and modern techniques, this dance company from Belo Horizonte was last at BAM during the 2012 Next Wave Festival.

NETHERLANDS
Toneelgroep Amsterdam
Ivo van Hove's innovative company, last at BAM with Roman Tragedies, returns to the Next Wave Festival this fall with a revelatory take on Tony Kushner's Angels in America.

COLOMBIA
DanceMotion USA
Our dance diplomacy program connects American dance companies with international artists and communities. In its inaugural year, Brooklyn-based company Urban Bush Women visited Colombia.

URUGUAY
Go Uruguay!
BAMcinématek celebrated the films of the South American country in 2009 with a three day series, and very appropriate title.

COSTA RICA
Jurassic Park
The surprise team of the Cup, and perhaps a surprising choice for a team, Jurassic Park (filmed in the Central American country) is part of the BAM 24 Hour Movie Marathon this September.

FRANCE
Théâtre de la Ville
A theater favorite, this well-respected company always delivers, and returns to BAM for the 2014 Next Wave Festival with Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author.

BELGIUM
Rosas
Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker is the coach, and Rosas (last at BAM during the 2013 Next Wave Festival) make for a solid team.

CHILE
....como el musguito en la piedra, ay si, si, si...
Pina Bausch's dance-theater piece based on her time spent in Chile, ...como el musguito... (2012 Next Wave Festival) features elements of Chilean social dances, music, and more.


MEXICO
Los Olvidados
A fearless gang of kids led by an unforgettable coach (director), Luis Buñuel's masterpiece kicks off BAMcinématek's month-long retrospective on July 11.

GREECE
The Humans
Alexandre Singh's epic piece (2013 Next Wave Festival) was modeled on the writings of Aristophanes. This Greek chorus needs to work together if it wants to make it to the next round.

NIGERIA
ATOMIC BOMB! The Music of William Onyeabor
The tribute to the elusive Nigerian musician was a true team effort this past May, with star players David Byrne, the Lijadu Sisters, Dev Hynes, Sinkane, and more.

ALGERIA
Battle of Algiers
This classic screened as part of BAMcinématek's The Music of Morricone series in March. The team just barely made it into this round, and it will indeed be a battle against Germany. 

SWITZERLAND
Gilles Jobin Company
This Swiss dance company will perform at the 2014 Next Wave Festival with choreography cooked up at CERN, which should undoubtedly help them in their game against Argentina.

USA
LA Dance Project
A French director, a new company, and some star names, LA Dance Project (coming to the Next Wave Festival this fall) is turning heads with its fresh approach to dance ...not unlike another American team with a European coach.