Empathic artwork about a care relationship
In 2021, choreographers Jija Sohn and Aleksandra Lemm, dramaturg Julia Reist and artistic collaborator Nica Roses embarked on a creative journey, together with visual artist Elmer Kouwenberg, who became paralysed after a car accident some 30 years ago. The foursome previously made a short documentary about their role as Kouwenberg’s carers, with whom they practise various physical exercises. With this performance, they continue their research into inclusivity.
With Landing on Feathers, a special ‘safe space‘ emerges. With humour and empathy, a conversation about the dancers’ care practices unfolds with Kouwenberg, who continues working on art during the performance. What does it mean to become the extension of somebody else’s body? How do we achieve tender interaction with ourselves and with each other in a society defined by individuality and competition? Together with the performers, the audience reflects about the opposition between being abled and being disabled, about the roles of the carer and the one being cared for. Landing on Feathers is an intelligent project about radical relationality.
In the frame of Caring is Sharing, in collaboration with Schouwburg Kortrijk.
With the support of the ‘Ambassade van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden’ in Brussels
Play dates
Concept: Jija Sohn, Aleksandra Lemm and Julia Reist
Performance: Jija Sohn, Aleksandra Lemm and Nica Roses
Direction: Jija Sohn
Researched with: Julia Reist, Aleksandra Lemm, Nica Roses and Elmer Kouwenberg Dramaturgy: Julia Reist
Music: Abel Kroon
Scenography & Physical adviser: Sebastian Belmar
Voice adviser: Alessio Castellacci
Co-production: DansBrabant, SPRING Performing Arts Festival, Kaaitheater, VIERNULVIER arts center vzw, Be My Guest, De Brakke Grond, Theaterfestival Boulevard, WPZimmer, ICK Dans Amsterdam/Space for Dance Art, Dansateliers, Festival Cement Residency: De Brakke Grond, Kunstencentrum BUDA, WPZimmer, ICK Dans Amsterdam/ Space for Dance Art