Yllana et Ara Malikian

• 1991
• Spain

Schizo, rococo, macho, scato, provocative: Yllana’s reputation is well-established. Yllana is a company devoted to the pursuit of humour in its purest state, without words. Who needs words when you have such an incredible array of mime techniques, onomatopoeic exclamations, dance moves and visual innovations? Founded in Madrid in 1991, the company is committed to wordless comedy: “our language comes from the body, bursting forth with frenetic energy. Ours is a direct style which combines ingenious moves and risk-taking with all sorts of leaps, bounds, cries, mimes and music. The results are always electric”.
They may not speak, but the performers who make up Yllana are always noisy. Together they craft an original language, conjuring up a crazy, surreal world where anything can happen.
For Paganin, the company is joined by Ara Malikian, undoubtedly one of the most brilliant violinists of his generation. Blessed with an inimitable style, forged by his origins (born into an Armenian family living in Lebanon) and his musical passions, Malikian is one of the most original and innovative voices in modern music