Aterballetto is in Bolzano with a triptych that highlights the eclecticism of its performers.
The evening opens with Shoot me, a new creation by Diego Tortelli on the music of the rock group Spiritualized, an abstract but tautly energetic choreography. This is followed by “O”, Philippe Kratz’s little masterpiece, an hypnotic pas de deux with an unstoppable rhythm. All 16 dancers of the company close the evening with the visceral Secus, a creation by Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin with an enthralling soundtrack.
SHOOT ME is a new creation for the whole company accompanied by the music of Spiritualized, an English rock band formed in 1990, and some recordings of poems recited by singer Jim Morrison that tell us about freedom.
The work in its construction is inspired by the concept of “concert-ballet” revisited in a contemporary key where music and dance accompany each other in a composition devoid of narrative, but which thanks to the power of music, sometimes aggressive and other times poetic guides us to create open imagery and to feel emotions.
A fundamental part of SHOOT ME is the strength of a group guided by individual voices, the desire of a body that wants to be observed and a body that wants to be heard, that wants to transmit.
The work is inspired by images of demonstrations, pride, catwalks, everything that unites us in a group that at the same time allows us not to lose our voice. The exact opposite of a military parade or a political party. We talk about the beauty of the body serving the community as a means of entertainment, but also of reflection and research.
In fact, the term “SHOOT ME” is used by videomakers at the moment when a camera’s gaze is caught on an action to be immortalized. Instead in pop culture the term “SHOOT ME” in slang is also often referred to as the request to feel emotions after a period of alexithymia “please, shoot me with some feelings…”
A frontal work that aims to put the dancers on stage and the audience in the audience in a direct exchange relationship: a game of seduction, of glances, of sweat, an assault on the senses and an ode to the body, to breathing the same air, sweat, tears, fury, pride.
The idea behind “O” is eternity and how to achieve it is the ultimate goal of humanity. As for example in the summer of 2017 in Hong Kong, when for the first time two humanoid robots interacted with each other. It has become clear to all that a future, in which all human knowledge is transmitted by communicating inorganic material, is at hand.
“O” can be seen as two human beings or two robots celebrating this event in a state of transcendence and emotional realization, in which both move together to the infinite rhythm of their unstoppable hearts.
Or, like the spaceship computer Hal in Stanley Kubrick’s film “2001: A Space Odyssey” when he says deceptively, “I know I have made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will return to normal. I still have the utmost enthusiasm and confidence in the mission. And I want to help you.”
Secus is a creation by Ohad Naharin that boasts a musical collage stretching from the unusual electronic styles of AGF to the seductive Indian melodies of Kaho Naa Pyar Hai to the resonant harmonies of the Beach Boys. This adventurously eclectic mix serves as a fitting backdrop for the boldly extravagant choreography. A human alphabet of runs, solos, neat and clean gestures, interrupted duets is composed before our incredulous eyes, which, through precise and sudden kicks, sinuous disarticulations of the hips, torsos bending in all directions like molding rubber, expresses pure emotions and feelings without becoming sentimental. Joy, vulnerability, fear, innocence, confusion and anger weave a harmonious and dynamic canvas that oscillates between delicacy and exaggeration.
SHOOT ME
Choreography Diego Tortelli
Music Spiritualized
Costumes Marco De Vincenzo
Lights Roman Fliegel
Duration 30′ – For the 16 dancers of the company
Production Fondazione Nazionale della Danza / Aterballetto
Coproduction Fondazione I Teatri di Reggio Emilia
“O”
Choreography Philippe Kratz
Music Mark Pritchard and The Field
Costumes Francesca Messori
Lights Carlo Cerri
Duration 12′ – For 2 dancers
Production Fondazione Nazionale della Danza / Aterballetto
First prize at the 32nd Hannover Choreographic Competition – June 2018
Philippe Kratz is a stARTacademy member of Bayer Arts & Culture.
SECUS
Choreography Ohad Naharin
Music Chari Chari, Kid 606 + Rayon (mix: Stefan Ferry), AGF, Chronomad (Wahed), Fennesz, Kaho Naa Pyar Hai, Seefeel, The Beach Boys
Sound design & editing Ohad Fishof
Costumes Rakefet Levy
Lights Avi Yona Bueno (Bambi)
Assistant choreographers Rachael Osborne, Ian Robinson
Creation for Batsheva Dance Company (as part of Three, 2005)
Duration 30′ – For the 16 dancers of the company
Production Fondazione Nazionale della Danza / Aterballetto
Co-production Festival Oriente Occidente (I), Les Halles de Schaerbeek (B), Malraux scène nationale Chambéry Savoie (F)
Philippe Kratz’s cloud|materia is supported by Bayer Culture Engagement (D)
