On 26 June, the moment finally arrived: the special preview of L.A.V.A. at the Teatrum Mundi, set within the archaeological park of Pompeii. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the ancient Roman city, around 1,250 people gathered for the first presentation of this searing, high-energy performance by the dancers of Compagnia Zappalà and ICK.

Performing in the sweltering heat, on a vast stage framed by the stone remains of the historic proscenium, and exposed to all the unpredictability of an open-air setting, demanded everything of the dancers. With unwavering commitment, they pushed their bodies to the limit, becoming magma, lava and ash themselves. The result was a spellbinding experience, rewarded with a standing ovation and minutes of sustained applause from the Italian audience.

There was little time to savour the moment. Travelling by bus, train and plane, both companies made their way to Amsterdam, where the official world premiere took place on 3 July at the Meervaart.

Moving from the vast arena of Pompeii to the black box of the Amsterdam theatre, L.A.V.A. found a new form. Sound and physicality fill the space. Reflected by the enclosing walls, every vibration reverberates through the audience’s bodies. The monumental grandeur of Pompeii gives way here to an intimate resonance from within. The journey has begun, the performance has taken shape, and in Amsterdam too, audiences responded with unmistakable enthusiasm after this intense experience.

L.A.V.A. is accompanied by The Friction Field, a digital publication that invites you to explore the conceptual landscapes through which the performance moves. It brings together background stories, documentation and sources of inspiration in an evolving online environment. You can explore The Friction Field at www.lavalive.nl and www.lavalive.it. Rather than a finished website, it is an ongoing project that celebrated its own quiet premiere alongside the performance. Now it’s your turn to experience it.