2016-2017

Mithuna

 


From Octobre 2 to 17, 2016


All India Tour


From March 29

to April 9, 2017


Théâtre du Soleil

Cartoucherie 75012 Paris

Mithuna : [ mith-uná ] a. forming a pair; m. pair (a male and a female), couple (in general: in V. gnly. du., in C. mostly n. sg.); twins; n. other part, complement (rare); pairing, copulation; Gemini (sign of the zodiac); root compounded with a preposition (gr.): -tvá, n., -bhâva, m. forming a pair.

Mithuna is a Sanskrit concept that involves a pondering on gender, the gendre of words, the gendre of moments and the gendre of beings. Mithuna is the conjunction of diversities, the jolting confrontation and contagion of differences, their fertile and creative seeding.

The choreography of Mithuna feeds on a longstanding companionship between a team of Indian professional Kathakali dancers I spotted out when still in their teens, with French contemporary dancers and myself. This companionship is the ideal ground to materialize a creative weaving beyond the clichés of hybridization and/or fusion. It is probably the maturity of the dancers today that allows to reach the simplicity of that quest and start it afresh.

Mithuna does not rely on a narration. The meaning that comes through the dancing bodies builds on my wish to bring forward the intimate artistic and human values that bond these particular dancers together. Dance techniques and choreographic design are here only as a medium to enhance and convey these bonds. The audiences reactions to Mithuna in Delhi as well as in Paris clearly show that the message went through.

What our spectators say

“Immensely moving”

Mandeep Raikhy, Choreographer, Director of the IGNITE! festival Delhi

“Great command of the dramatized expression of dance through realism, abstraction, ambivalence, and humor too ... Resonances both dreamlike and almost carnal."
Milena Salvini, Director Centre Mandapa Paris

"Mithuna is this magnetic encounter between bodies that move in gravitation and whose move- ments are essentially function of hazards attractive forces."
Nicolas Pesquès, Paris

"I still have in mind the Mithuna show and this is rare nowadays. A very fine example of Being to- gether in a dialogue of cultures both traditional and contemporary, Indian and Western. The sensi- tive complicity of performers and their simplicity of Being brings great emotion and strength. A very nice moment of sharing !"

Thérèse Barbanel Chargée de diffusion, Production

"Go for it! Run !!! This is of great beauty. Strength, humor, tenderness, great quality of presence of the three dancers, what a great job, BRAVO. "
Kalpana, dancer, choreographer Paris

"A delight, a gem, and funny. It should not be missed! "

JF Dusigne, Actor, Director Arta Cartoucherie, Professor at Paris 8

"Beautiful charming, poetry and humor. Such talent! "

L. Bensasson, Actress, Director Arta Cartoucherie Paris

"Beautiful performers and great command of simplicity."

B. Chataigner, Dancer and Choreographer Rennes

"A journey of body and heart."

Barnet and Mr. C. Baud, spectators Thonon

"Subtlety of emotion, laughter, mastery and complicity ..."

L. Courvoisier, Writer (and sister of Helen dancer) Lyon

"A permuting and sensational trio that captivates you from the first seconds."

M. Desprez, professor of mathematics Paris

"It's fun , funny and deep as the Dispute by Marivaux . Always tender .
Accessible to all, it is a celebration of differences, of tolerance of these differences, of love and friendship.

A necessary show, beautiful, sleek and exciting, that we leave with regret. "

Jacques Martial , actor

With the support of la Ville de Paris