Experiencing grief and pain often puts us in a position to gain new perspectives or a deeper understanding of others. By playing with these concepts, the performance diminishes their power, illustrating how easy it is to trivialize or ignore someone's suffering compared to the challenge of helping them live with it. Ultimately, the work conveys a universal desire to help and connect, showcasing the intricate dance between empathy, understanding, and communication. The use of paper bags over the dancers' heads, with oversized emotions drawn on the back, highlights the difficulty of comprehending someone else's feelings. This visual metaphor underscores the challenge of understanding and empathizing with others' emotions, as hiding behind a false sense of knowledge is only ever temporary; unmasking one's pain can foster stronger connections with those around us.
Performance History
April 6, 2023, Premiere, PerformAct, Torres Vedras, Portugal
July 1, 2023, Re-staging, Multiplicidades Festival, Portugal.
Concept: Jack Bannerman
Choreography: Jack Bannerman, and Isis Marksteder, O’Brien, Naomi Rocher, and Lou Grivac.
Performers: Isis Marksteder, O’Brien, Naomi Rocher and Lou Grivac.
Soundscape: Arrangement and recorded sounds by Jack Bannerman. Included music; 2 Aquarelles : No. 1. Lento, ma non troppo, composed by Benjamin Britten, performed by David Lloyd-Jones & English Northern Philharmonia. Against the moon by Iceage. Van Gock - Demo (excerpt) by James Martin & Jocelin Dent-Pooley.
Costumes: Provided by PerformAct
Lighting design: Jack Bannerman
