It starts with a drop and ends with the ocean. Dance Prague is the work of the iconic Dimtris Papaioannou
The archetype of the bull and 3,000 liters of water dominate the production of Transverse Orientation by the Greek choreographer, director and visual artist Dimitris Papaioanna. At the forefront of his latest work is the light, beauty and power of the human body. In the Czech Republic, we will be able to see the work of the Greek iconic artist Dimitris Papaioanna for the first time at the Prague Dance Festival on the New Stage of the National Theater.
Dimitris Papaioannou started as a visual artist and entered the dance scene in the second half of the 1980s. His iconic works include Médea in 1993 or the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
What can one experience when they come to see your production of Transverse Orientation?
Dimitris Papaioannou: I firmly hope that he will take the position of an observer watching the landscape of changing images. I believe that everyone will create their own association based on these visual stimuli and enjoy the meditative plane of this event. Transverse Orientation is a work in which we try to perceive a more comprehensive discussion of existence and what worries it in its current state. If the audience manages to connect mentally and physically to this work, they have a chance to feel its amusing level as well. I feel that people are often afraid to laugh during the performances of my productions because they feel it would be unworthy. They are afraid to laugh at something that primarily aspires to be beautiful. But I like humor. He is ubiquitous in my work, so I hope that viewers will also accept him.
Water will dominate the scene as material. What is this element for you in the context of Transverse Orientation?
Dimitris Papaioannou: It starts with a drop and ends with the ocean. I wanted to portray how feminine charm, elegance and soulfulness can dissolve the masculine power symbolized on stage by a giant bull puppet. Water quenches thirst and can change things. It is nature itself.
The production Transverse Orientation is presented by the Prague Dance Festival on the New Stage of the National Theater from 15 to 17 June.