Ausencia
2021
From the press:
…”the materiality of movement, never frantic yet breathtaking, generates an enhanced sense of presence, even for the partner that is not there (yet or ever). Ultimately, Lurie Pardes’s remarkable rigor, concentration, and precision are a praxis of generous commitment, a resistive homage to the irreducibility of presence…”
Melissa Melpignano (Dance Context webzine) on Ausencia and Presencia performed in the 36th edition of Festival Danza Estate in Bergamo, Italy.
Developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, Ausencia is a duet performed by one dancer, dealing with the body and its absence, the possibility of touch, and the lack of such possibility. Between longing and frustration, the dancer Keren Lurie Pardes acts and moves in the empty space while communicating with things we cannot see.
During the process a duet was developed with two dancers, knowing that the duet is meant to be performed by one of them only. Thus, when removing the dancing partner, Keren’s movements are deprived of their functionality while revealing what remains when the motivation for the movement is eliminated and the focus shifts to the negative space of the movement. The audience witnesses Keren Lurie Pardes’ body being influenced and moved, without seeing the source of her actions, allowing different interpretations and questions regarding one’s drive to arise.
The work reintroduces the sense of physical deprivation forced upon us by the pandemic.
Concept and choreography: May Zarhy
Dancer performer: Keren Lurie Pardes (originally Ariel Gelbart)
Created with the dancers: Moran Muller, Ariel Gelbart
Music: Daniella Ljungsberg
Distribution: Fauves - Agency for the Performing Arts (Léa Chalmont + Julia Danila)
Support:
The Fund for Independent Artists, Ministry of Culture and Sports
Center for Contemporary Art Tel-Aviv-Yafo CCA
Presentations:
20.2.2021 | Atelier Shemi, Kibbutz Cabri Israel
6 - 7.3.2021 | CCA Tel Aviv, Israel
9.3.2021 | CCA Tel Aviv, Israel
20 - 21.3.2021 | CCA Tel Aviv, Israel
7.8.2021 | Tel Aviv Dance, Suzanne Dellal Center Tel Aviv
4.12.2021 | International Exposure, Suzanne Dellal Center
24 - 25.12.2022 | CCA Tel Aviv, Israel
10.1.2023 | CCA Tel Aviv, Israel
15 - 17.5.2024 | CCA Tel Aviv Israel
20.6.2024 | Festival Danza Estate Bergamo Italy
