Cultural life: Hofesh Shechter, choreographer

'Abdullah Ibrahim is a pianist from South Africa and I was completely blown away by the simplicity and emotion of his music'

Hofesh Shechter, choreographer (© Matthew Andrews)

Theatre

One of the most powerful theatrical experiences I've had was during the 1-on-1-on-1 Festival at Battersea Arts Centre. It's a collection of shows that are almost made for one person at a time. It made me question why I bother trying to create something for thousands when you can make something so powerful like that.

Music

I was introduced to Abdullah Ibrahim's music by a friend. He's a pianist from South Africa and I was completely blown away by the simplicity and emotion of his music. He's in his eighties and still performing really beautiful, heartfelt music.

Visual Arts

Anselm Kiefer's painting Cetus, which is just a grey and white landscape, but when you look deeper there's something quite horrifying there. I just saw it in an amazing book by him. His work is quite challenging and divisive.

Books

There are two books I always keep with me: The Inner Game of Tennis. It's actually nothing to do with tennis – it's about the inner conversation you're having with yourself. It really reminded me of the way you work in dance. The other is a poetry book by a Hebrew poet called Dan Pagis. It's very strong poetry that questions humanity and goodness.

Hofesh Shechter's 'Sun', Sadler's Wells, London EC1 (www.sadlerswells.com) 30 October to 3 November