A hypnotic, corporeal journey
into the heart of a puppet that refuses to be one
PART 1
Petrushka, the iconic
ballet by Igor Stravinsky, tells the haunting tale of a puppet that is brought
to life, only to experience love, jealousy, and ultimately death at the hands
of another doll. The crowd is distraught, yet reminded: it was only a doll. Or
was it?
In a radical reinterpretation, choreographer Michiel
Vandevelde breathes new life into Petrushka. This time, Petrushka is no
longer a tragic marionette, but a rebellious figure. The choreography,
initially composed of AI-generated dance movements, is gradually pushed to its
extremes. What remains of humanity when social interaction has been fully digitized?
Only a puppet can show us.
Ten years after his solo Antithesis, the future of the
image, Vandevelde once again takes the stage alone. This intense dance solo
unites the core elements of his choreographic language: glitch- and pop-infused
movement, references to cultural artefacts that shape communities, and a
physically demanding dance vocabulary. The result is a hypnotic, corporeal
journey into the heart of a puppet that refuses to be one.
Duration: 50 minutes
Language: In Dutch, with English surtitles
PART 2
Michiel Vandevelde studied dance
and choreography at P.A.R.T.S., Brussels. He is active as a choreographer,
curator, writer and editor. Currently he is the artistic director of CAMPO.
Vandevelde’s work has been presented at major European institutions and
festivals, including Impulstanz, Münchner Kammerspiele, Kaaitheater,
Concertgebouw Brugge / Dans in Brugge, Kunstenfestivaldesarts, Donaufestival,
Tanz im August, PACT Zollverein, Wiener Festwochen, steirischer herbst, STUK,
Thalia Theater, Theater Neumarkt and Zürcher Theater Spektakel.
CREDITS
concept, choreography & dance Michiel Vandevelde music Igor Stravinsky: Three
Movements from Petrushka, and a new composition by Didem Coskunseven textile
artwork Elen Braga general scenography, light, sound & costume
Michiel Vandevelde dramaturgy Kristof Van Baarle production CAMPO
co-production December Dance (Concertgebouw Brugge), STUK &
Disagree. vzw