first performed in 2000 in the studio of Dansateliers, dependance Schiedam, Netherlands
premiere at Kunstencentrum Burgvliet, Gouda, Netherlands
"der Mussolini" shown at showcase Danswerkplaats Amsterdam, October 2000
with Cor Kapaan and Danielle Füeglistaller
popERA was created as a self-sponsored production in 2000.
It consists of a series of
theatrical miniature-performances, set closely to pop-songs.
Through their sequence, they explore questions of gender and race,
traditional ethics and individual resolution.
All means used are intentionally simple and simplistic,
both in terms of composition and imagery.
Excess and clichéed theatricality meet minimalist dramaturgy and sensitivity.
Although the piece starts out ambivalent in terms of potentially opposing ethical as well as aesthetic points of view, the conclusion speaks a clear message
which encourages contact with "the other", whoever that might be.
Through their sequence, they explore questions of gender and race,
traditional ethics and individual resolution.
All means used are intentionally simple and simplistic,
both in terms of composition and imagery.
Excess and clichéed theatricality meet minimalist dramaturgy and sensitivity.
Although the piece starts out ambivalent in terms of potentially opposing ethical as well as aesthetic points of view, the conclusion speaks a clear message
which encourages contact with "the other", whoever that might be.
total time: approximately 20 minutes
solo
music: O.M.D. (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) Southern 1986
music: O.M.D. (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) Southern 1986
dismantling religious fervour from the wrong side of the fence?
an outcry against glorification? a genuine act of sacrifice, or just kitsch-pathos?
the dripping fluid is the central dance...
the
Mussolini
solo / duet / quartet / octet ad lib
music: D.A.F. (Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft / "German-American Friendship") Der Mussolini 1981
Note: at the time of its publication, the accompanying music-video was banned from German television
however the lyrics mock any kind of dominant "Western" 20th century ideology or religion, all in favor of non-moralist hedonism >> SEE THIS VIDEO-INTERPRETATION ON YOU TUBE
re-mixing the gay leather-stereotype imagery with fascism,
dwelving in the many-edged fun of power and strength
post-idealistic and post-religious
utilizes unabashed show-dance and folklore-formations
inTime
solo
music: Nina Simone: Just in Time 1962
the turning point and redemption-moment:
one of those moments when it all comes together
crossing, mixing and resolving barriers, and public/private codes of behavior
expression happens!
you'll never walk alone
ensemble
including tech-crew, stage hands etc.
music: Nina Simone You'll Never Walk Alone 1957
accumulative stillness as in the beginning and the gesture of"King"
repeated in a different variation as an invitation to make contact
solo / duet / quartet / octet ad lib
music: D.A.F. (Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft / "German-American Friendship") Der Mussolini 1981
Note: at the time of its publication, the accompanying music-video was banned from German television
however the lyrics mock any kind of dominant "Western" 20th century ideology or religion, all in favor of non-moralist hedonism >> SEE THIS VIDEO-INTERPRETATION ON YOU TUBE
re-mixing the gay leather-stereotype imagery with fascism,
dwelving in the many-edged fun of power and strength
post-idealistic and post-religious
utilizes unabashed show-dance and folklore-formations
inTime
solo
music: Nina Simone: Just in Time 1962
the turning point and redemption-moment:
one of those moments when it all comes together
crossing, mixing and resolving barriers, and public/private codes of behavior
expression happens!
you'll never walk alone
ensemble
including tech-crew, stage hands etc.
music: Nina Simone You'll Never Walk Alone 1957
accumulative stillness as in the beginning and the gesture of"King"
repeated in a different variation as an invitation to make contact
tech throughout the entire performance plain house lights and stage lights
in equal spreading, neutral-towards-warm in colour
props: a chair, fake-blood, a small metal cup
+ many bags of m&m's to be
distributed in advance to the incoming audience
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