The Dreamer is the result of an exceptional collaboration between choreographer Martin Harriague and Harrison Stafford, lead singer of the jazz-reggae band Groundation. This project is rooted in Harriague’s deep admiration for Groundation’s unique musical universe—a passion that began in his teenage years. After years of anticipation, this long-awaited encounter between contemporary dance and the music of Groundation finally comes to life. Harrison Stafford brings his captivating voice and magnetic stage presence to the premiere, held on April 25 at the Nationaltheater Mannheim (Franklin Kino). This extraordinary evening will feature iconic Groundation tracks such as Jah Jah Know and Babylon Rule Dem, along with previously unreleased songs from the new album Candle Burning.

The Dreamer is a demanding and virtuosic choreographic work, where the eight outstanding dancers of the Nationaltheater Mannheim company embody the richness and complexity of the music. Brass solos, Rhodes harmonies, guitar riffs, and Stafford’s voice find their echo in the dancers’ movements. Through them, both the raw power and subtle nuances of the compositions are brought to life. The choreography becomes a physical translation of the music’s vibrations, with each gesture resonating with the rhythm and warmth of the melodies. It is a dance of the soul, where every movement responds to the emotional intensity of the music that inspires it.

With The Dreamer, Harriague and Stafford offer audiences an immersive experience that goes far beyond a traditional performance. It is not a linear narrative, but rather an abstract journey into the heart of a shared dream: the dream of a more just and harmonious future. The dancers carry this collective vision through fluid, organic movements, in constant dialogue with Groundation’s music—conveying messages of resilience and renewal. Their ever-transforming bodies symbolize both resistance and hope, reflecting a profound aspiration for a better world.