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Stuff of life
The sensational Lia Rodrigues joins the Aurora Nova revolution. Words: Donald Hutera
n blunt. bright light naked bodies — individuals and
duos — slowly mutate into close. sculptural poses.
After this strange trompe l’oeil of the flesh the bodies jiggle and jerk across the floor. scattering spectators. Clothed. finally. they march and chant. sway and signal like some sloganeering team of kinetic revolutionaries.
This is a nutshell description of Lia Rodrigues‘ sensational promenade performance Such Stufl'as we are Made Of. The Brazilian choreographer. who founded her eponymous company in 1990. reveals what motivated this transgressive piece.
How was this show put together?
We started talking about how the political situation in Brazil worries me. The young dancers had no natural interest in politics. I wanted to provoke them. Our starting points included finding and working on matters of citizenship. history and memory. on how hard it is to make art in Brazil today. on the unusual forms the body can produce and different ways to use scenic space. We didn’t have many resources for the show. We made it without any light or costumes. Having the dancers dance naked breaks up the dictatorship of what is considered beautiful.
What kind of audiences have you attracted?
It’s large and diverse. because we normally charge less than a dollar for a ticket. The elite should not be the only ones entitled to watch the show. We‘ve presented it to prostitutes. mentally deficient people and to those so poor they never had the chance to go to the theatre before. They all showed a deep respect for what they saw.
How healthy is the current arts scene in Brazil?
In making art there is a continuous process of
affirmation and resistance. We're a country of continental dimensions where it’s not always easy to move around. A cultural isolation goes on. despite the fact that access to culture is a constitutional right. In a country where two-thirds of the population (around i 1 lm people) live on a monthly income of under S 160. you can imagine the value given to artists. There’s a consistent and strong production of contemporary work. but it‘s not usually recognised and valued. A lot of investment is needed before we can make sure the cultural product is well disseminated.
What do you think is the function of art in society?
Art is an instrument of knowledge. and culture a generator of dignity and citizenship. l was raised in an upper middle-class family. and feel now I should share all the privileges I‘ve had. I've done this through art. One doesn’t have to be a member of any political party to act concretely. The act of creating is revolutionary in itself.
What changes would you like to effect?
If I stop believing that I can change the world with culture. I can't live. In Rio de Janeiro my three sons and I experience violence. crime and deep poverty every day. Although we try to keep reality away. it always attacks us from behind. My wish is to bring balance to the enormous contrast between rich and poor. to alert people to the reality of social injustice. I hope the ideas in Such Stuff. . . awaken feelings and reactions in the audience. I try to make the body speak in a language everyone can understand. to discover what touches people and why. when and where they communicate.
Such Stuff as we are Made Of, St Stephens, 558 3853, until 18 Aug, 7pm; 17-18 Aug, 5pm; 20—24 Aug, 10pm; 20—24 Aug, 8pm; 25-26 Aug, 7.45pm; 25-26 Aug, 5.15pm, £9 (£7).
dance@list.co.uk
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FESTIVAL DANCE
Make all the right moves
I heatre-elevlelon Boris Charmatz. the darling of France's contemporary dance scene. made his festival debut in 1999. This year he frees the imagination with what has been dubbed one of the most elitist shows of the festival. See review. Dunard Library, the Hub, 473 2000, until 31 Aug, 9am—11pm, £5.
I Ful Acclaimed Spanish dance troupe Nats Nus Dansa presents this self-effacing and highly amusing look at the ‘art of living' in the face of constant technological changes. Prepare to be captivated as they merge the innovative use of lights, video clips, music and text to create this wonderfully inspired mathematical game. St Stephen ’3, 558 3853, until 23 Aug (not 19 Aug), times vary, 27—29.
I Such Stuff as we are Made Of Incredible Brazilian choreographer Lia Rodrigues performs this strangely wonderful trompe l’oeil. St Stephen '3, 558 3853, until 26 (not 79 Aug), times vary, £7—E9.
I The Mute who was Dreamed The fantastic Theatre Bazi troupe present this beautifully dark piece depicting the disturbing relationship between a blind. deaf mute girl and her abusive carer. Theatre Workshop, 226 5425, unti/ Aug 24 (not 79), times vary, £9 (£7).
I Bounce A spectacular show that takes the coolest street dancing from boogaloo to breaking and popping and turns it into a polished show. A strong contender to be the feelgood hip hop hit of the festival. Assembly Rooms, 226 2428, unti/ 26 Aug, times vary, £70—E71 (£94370).
15—22 Aug 2002 TH! LIST FISTIVAL OUIDI 29