Pour (2016)
"...the expression of the performer alternates like a hologram between violence and vulnerability. The naked, almost motionless female body seems to be feeling its way towards pockets of pain locked deep inside, chiseling them out and sculpting them into somatic experience." Astrid Kaminski, Tanzraumberlin
Pour is a work that explores the vulnerability and strength of women, uncovering the layers of pain we absorb in our bodies through a society that does not support them. Like her previous works, Ashbee has created a dark work that confronts it’s audiences. Yet, for the first time, layers of joy and celebration pierce the tension that has been manifested throughout the performance.
Choreographically, Ashbee hopes to transform energy through performance and liberate her desires to occupy space with her body and even play amongst and against the frameworks she feels warped her self-image as an adolescent. She used her own menstrual cycle as the hub of her interest throughout the development of the work.
Her synthetic set design mimics natural landscape. Her use of repetition evokes transformation which hints towards many possibilities for a resolution, while maintaining an intense vulnerability between the performer and the audience.
This courageous performance traverses states of liberation, control, pain, beauty and catharsis in a live and intimate setting.
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Credits
Artistic Direction, Concept, Choreography & Scenography: Daina Ashbee
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Interpreted by: Irene Martínez
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Lighting Design: Hugo Dalphond
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Original Sound Scape Design: Jean-Francois Blouin
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Understudy: Émilie Morin
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Outside Eyes: Andrew Tay et Angelique Wilkie
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Duration: 60 minutes
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Photo: Arnaud Caravielhe
Video: Alejandro Jiménez
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Supported by: Canada Council for the Arts, Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec, La Chapelle: Scènes Contemporains
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Calendar
October 19 - 20, 2021
Daina Ashbee Retrospective
Usine-C
Montreal, QC
July 1 - 2, 2021
Montpellier Danse Festival
Montpellier, France
July 1, 2020
Montpellier Danse Festival
Montpellier, France
(cancelled)
October 23 - 24, 2019
Fluid Festival
Calgary, Alberta
September 25 - 26, 2019
IMPACT FESTIVAL
Kitchener, Ontario
September 18, 2019
Rotterdam Theatre
Rotterdam, Holland
July 2, 2019
Festival les 7 Collines
St. Étienne, France
May 1 - 3, 2019
Agora de la Danse
Montreal, QC
March 4 - 7, 2019
La Rotonde
Quebec City, QC
February 22 - 24, 2019
The Sony Center
Toronto, Ontario
October 20 - 21, 2018
Oktoberdans
Bergen, Norway
October 17 - 18, 2018
RIMI/IMIR
Stavanger, Norway
July 16, 2018
Nultý Bod (Zero Point Festival)
Prague, Czech Republic
March 14, 2018
Ellas Crean Festival
Madrid, Spain
March 9 - 10, 2018
Hiroshima
Barcelona, Spain
February 1 - 3, 2018
PUSH International Performing Arts Festival
Vancouver, British Columbia
November 9 -11, 2017
Moving in November Festival
Helsinki, Finland
October 12 - 13, 2017
Actoral
Marseille, France
June 2 - 4, 2017
Festival Trans-Ameriques
Montréal, QC
May 19 - 21, 2017
Rencontres Internationales Chorégraphiques
Seine Saint-Denis, France
September 26 - 29, 2016
La Chapelle : Scènes Contemporains
Montréal, Québec