During 2 weeks, a group of 6 performers (Helena Araujo (BR/BE), Horacio Macuacua (MZ), Robert Sjtein (NL), Simon Van Schuylenbergh (BE), Vincent Focquet (BE) & Sofie Durnez (BE) ) will investigate different ways of creating physical and verbal friction. Sophia is very interested in the opposite idea that physical friction is related to pleasure, closeness and intimacy and verbal friction is related to conflict and distance. Somehow, human development needs both and is interested in this contradictory complement of human relationships. Inspired by the erotic act of making love, in which physical friction can bring us into an orgasmic state, we want to explore the rhythmic stimulation of the body and different ways of achieving orgasmic physical friction. In this context, she wonders how verbal friction can arise and co-exist in this physical context of proximity and pleasure. Does it also bring pleasure, the distance and the conflict? Does it complement it? Does it create balance? Is conflict a necessity for evolution?

Sophía Rodríguez (VE/BE)

Sophía Rodríguez is an actor, dancer, choreographer and circus artist. She studied circus, dance and physical theatre in Venezuela (Universidad Experimental de las Artes), Cuba (Cuban National Circus School) and Switzerland (Accademia Dimitri). Her long-term exchange and training with David Zambrano has had a strong influence on her artistic practice.

As a maker, she uses physical performance, embodied knowledge, voice and improvisation as building blocks for energetic, feminist and critical performances that always exist on the borders between disciplines.

In 2023, Friction, her first ensemble work, premiered. The piece investigates the act of friction as a strategy to shed psychological and cultural baggage that prevents connection. It was presented at Toneelhuis, VIERNULVIER, BUDA, Charleroi Danse and Festival de la Cité (CH), and will continue touring, including at the New Europe International Festival in Warsaw.