Tambourines

Reinventing History. Inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The Scarlet Letter, Tambourines is Trajal Harrell’s tribute to all the women who, throughout history, were denied the right to make decisions about their own bodies.

Divided into three acts—Debauchery, Education, Celebration—the choreography reimagines the story of Hester Prynne. In the novel, she is condemned to wear the scarlet letter (A for Adultery) after giving birth to an illegitimate child. Harrell envisions an alternative ending for Hester: What if she had been supported instead of judged? What if the child had been welcomed with joy rather than shame?

Trajal Harrell, recipient of the Silver Lion at the 2024 Venice Biennale Danza, once again demonstrates how courage can create a lasting legacy with this deeply moving and subversive dance production. Since its premiere on February 7, 2024, at the Schiffbau, Tambourines has seen dancers and audiences come together in a shared celebration of the power to reshape the future. Following acclaimed performances in Berlin, Paris, Venice, Bern, and Lausanne, Harrell and his newly founded Zurich Dance Ensemble return to the place where it all began—for three special performances.