1, 2, maybe 3
Jean Bui + Sydney McManus
Laborious Song
Daina Ashbee
Measuring the mundane. Two bodies working to coexist in close proximity. The convergence of forms within fabrics to the point where ownership of each part is unclear. Unforeseen complexities emerge when plans become actions. The overlapping of decisions creates constraints. Yielding to each other’s choices to find compromise, but ultimately over-complicating the simple.
Jean Bui and Sydney McManus are interested in generating works that explore function. If design is engineered for the human form, can our bodies serve design? Inspired by minimalism, striving to only show the essentials, the artists’ focus is to reduce ornamentation. For them, “form follows function” (Louis Sullivan, 1896). Borrowing from the Bauhaus, they are seeking a balance between efficiency and aesthetics. In doing so, one might say they are “pointlessly moving about” or “perfecting uselessness” (translated from the French by F. Pouillaude, 2014).
Choreography and performance Jean Bui, Sydney McManus Set and Costume Design Pénélope & Chloë Photo and video teaser Jean Bui With the support of Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec Creative residencies Compagnie Marie Chouinard, Danse à la Carte, Tangente
In Laborious Song, Daina Ashbee explores movements in order to break down layers of resilience, uncovering vulnerable shapes, forms and bodies. Using repetition to insist, to reach points of trance and transformation; to evoke rhythm while manifesting energetic states and asking both performer and audience to endure. The act of physical labour leads the work to places of pleasure and climax, abandoning our frameworks and radiating in intimate play.
This is the first presentation of a solo exploration of what will become a full-length duet between Benjamin Kamino and Pieter Ampe.
Daina Ashbee is an artist, performer and choreographer based in Montreal, known for her radical works at the edge of dance and performance. Recognized as one of the most promising young choreographers of the next generation, her work has been presented 76 times in 13 countries and 27 cities (The Venice Biennale, Oktoberdans, Les Rencontre Chorégraphiques Internationales de Seine-Saint-Denis, and the Munich Dance Biennale). Daina is the artist-in-residence at Agora de la danse in Montreal until 2023 and the associate artist of Centre de Création O Vertigo – CCOV.
Creation Daina Ashbee Performed by Benjamin Kamino In collaboration with Pieter Ampe Lighting Design Karine Gauthier Photo Pieter Ampe by David Flores Rubio With the support of Conseil des arts du Canada Creative residencies La Briqueterie/Circuit-Est Centre Chorégraphique (FR), fabrik – Potsdam (DE), Nuuk Nordic Culture Festival (GL), CEPRODAC (MX), Bad Lemons (DE)
feature
| Édifice Wilder—Espace danse | |
| 01.06 | 8:30 pm |
| 02.06 | 3 pm |
