(B)

Press

“[…] The sensationally light-footed and bouncy group sequences to lively electro sounds […] quote the gestures and rituals of boxing in a tongue-in-cheek way. Here the boxers meet for a mock exchange of blows. […] Sometimes two dancers clash, or a graceful ballerina and a boxing heavyweight enter the imaginary ring. Then, boxing gloves are put on feet and a dancer moves as if on pointes. But despite the humorous elements, ‘(B)’ does not descend into a cliché-filled parody of boxing. […]”
Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, 5 September 2018    

Preview text

It’s back to square one with a new company – and 20 years’ experience – for two protagonists of the Belgian dance-theatre scene: Koen Augustijnen, who appeared at last year’s festival alongside Omar Rajeh, and Rosalba Torres Guerrero, a former dancer with the company Rosas who has also previously performed in Hanover, are ringing the bell for a new round. In the ring, seven dancers and three professional boxers, all from very different backgrounds, come face to face. Their dynamic group sequences and tense sparring situations reflect mental and emotional struggles; their tongue-in-cheek references to boxing rituals show them squaring up for another round of fighting (for survival). The contrasting movement languages are juxtaposed, broken up and reflected, resulting in an ode to dance, to boxing and to life.

(approx. 75 mins.)

Watch a video on Youtube

7:15 pm Talk in the foyer

This performance will be preceded by an introductory lecture by Dr. Franz Anton Cramer, dance expert, writer and guest lecturer at various national and international universities and artistic institutions.

cast & credits

Concept/ Choreography: Koen Augustijnen & Rosalba Torres Guerrero
In collaboration with the dancers/boxers: Arturo Franc Vargas, Giulia Piana, Tayeb Benamara, Sophia Rodriguez, Karim Kalonji, Mohammed Smahneh, [Yipoon Chiem] Rosalba Torres Guerrero, Alka Matewa, Samuel Koussedoh, Sinan Durmaz
Dramaturgy: Dirk Verstockt
Music/ Soundscapes: Sam Serruys
Accordion: Philippe Thuriot
Songs: Yipoon Chiem, Mohammed Smahneh
Texts: Sophia Rodriguez , Karim Kalonji
Video: MDB/Lucas Racasse, assisted by Laurane Perche
Submarine camera: Bernard Vervoort
Scenography: Jean Bernard Koeman
Fabrication of accessories: Sara Júdice de Menezes
Light design/ Technical direction: Michel Delvigne
Costumes/ Assistant production/ Tour manager: Nicole Petit
Box coach: Giorgi Shakhsuvarian
Distribution: Frans Brood Productions

Production: Siamese Cie
Executive producer: Gloed asbl
Co-production: Charleroi Danse/ Théâtre de la Ville de Luxembourg/ Théâtre La Villette, Paris/ La Comédie, Clermont-Ferrand/ La Rose des Vents, Villeneuve d’Ascq/ Le Manège, Maubeuge/ Victoria Deluxe, Ghent/ Emilia Romagna Teatro Fondazione, Bologna / Kunstencentrum Vooruit, Ghent/ De Grote Post, Oostende/ A.M. Qattan Foundation, Ramallah/ Action Zoo Humain, Ghent

With the support of: The Flemish Government, Brussels/ Belgian Tax Shelter, Brussels/ City of Ghent

With thanks to: The families Augustijnen and Torres Guerrero, Anne Masset,

ALL SPORTS Roeselare, Jako Prall and Bud Blumenthal, Herwig Onghena, Erna Van Akoleyen