Linda Samaraweerová

THE ENDLESS ISLAND OF ABSENCE - MYSTERY OF HAPPINESS

Silently the hammocks swing, I am on an island, all by myself, not wishing for anything. But still in the community of all those who are dreaming here. A languorous feeling, wantless, light as a feather in the airy bed, without a thought to weight me down. (Ditta Rudle, 27.10.18, Tanzschrift)

Wherever it may be, it will be when everything is gone. We are in nothingness. (Cornelia Offergeld)

Thus this tenderly eerie piece, a considerately composed immersion, is an extremely well-made performance. (Helmut Ploebst, 29.10.2018, Corpus)

youtubechannel: mysteryofhappiness.eu

Susanne Schuda für The Endless Island of Absence 2018

Susanne Schuda für The Endless Island of Absence 2018

+ZOOM

PREMIERE

Tanzquartier Wien, Halle G

FR 26.10. 2018 - 18h
FR 26.10. 2018 - 21h
Sa 27.10. 2018 - 18h
Sa 27.10. 2018 - 21h

Ondine Cloez in Mystery of Happiness

Mystery of Happiness TQW 2018

In her latest choreography, Linda Samaraweerová examines the meaning of happiness as a cultural myth that is subject to social constraints. The pursuit of happiness puts contemporary people in a paradox situation. Promises of happiness are lurking everywhere in today’s fun and adventure society, luring people with social and economic temptations. In this context, the state of being happy turns into a dictatorially prescribed duty, and happiness ultimately becomes an inflationary, vulgar commodity directed against human beings and their freedom. Because unhappiness means social death. Linda Samaraweerová has developed an alternative model by way of choreography. She is looking for a poetic space, for a reduction of sensory impressions. What happens if you step into the darkness, into nothingness?

Ondine Cloez walking backwards in circles for 23min with closed eyes

Ondine Cloez walking backwards in circles for 23min with closed eyes

The Endless Island of Absence TQW 2018

The Endless Island of Absence TQW 2018

+ZOOM
Ondine Cloez in Mystery of Happiness 2018

Ondine Cloez in Mystery of Happiness 2018

The Endless Island of Absence TQW 2018

The Endless Island of Absence TQW 2018

The Endless Island of Absence TQW 2018

The Endless Island of Absence TQW 2018

The Endless Island of Absence TQW 2018

The Endless Island of Absence TQW 2018

Matthias Frey, Susanna Gartmayer, Réka Kutas - Mystery Of Happiness 2018

Matthias Frey, Susanna Gartmayer, Réka Kutas - Mystery Of Happiness 2018

Step by step. Head in the dark, dazed by nothingness, unentrapped. Along here, go on there, out over there, upwards. I'm hanging underneath on a thin rope, crouching for the dream. Leaving the soft, cool ground, I regret any unnecessary effort, or am searching the sides.

We stay on our mainland and take off our protective masks. Braving the wind, escaped from the big waves of a previous life, conscious of the visions of a generation, we are wandering along our body of thought centimetre by centimetre – our feet are stable, our knees trained: do not hit trees with stones. Do not decorate views with fences. Don't!

That’s what it does to me. Meanings and explanations are held up to me, rarely spread out before me, and I try to swing through on tiptoe. Head high, wrapped in heights. My ear is my challenge, I’m quietly singing along misunderstood words. It’ always been like that. Like that only for myself. Or suddenly and for a short while, I am convinced by quick glances, controlled hands, and wide smiles. Until you ask me whether we’re home again.

The happiness we love asks for the next dance. Do like I do, then you, too, will … Go along, so that others will also know it. Light in hemispheres, intentionally lagging behind the beat, somnambulistic, with trembling fingers, cutting nose, and lost eyes. Peculiarly tempting. Yes, your happiness which I love. (Excerpt from a text performed by Linda Samaraweerová in Mystery of Happiness, written by Bruno Batinic, translated in English by David Ender)

structure of the piece:

- Chapter I: DANCE (23 min walking dance with closed eyes by Ondine Cloez)
Music for Chapter I and II composed and interpreted by Robert Jíša
- Chapter II: DARKNESS (40 min)
Music for Chapter II (25 min live music) interpreted by Matthias Frey (Violin), Susanna Gartmayer (alto clarinet), Réka Kutas (Cello)
- whole duration of the piece: 75min

credits:

concept Linda Samaraweerová music composed by Robert Jíša project in collaboration with Ondine Cloez, Laura Samaraweerová, Daniel Zimmermann performance Ondine Cloez, Linda Samaraweerová musical interpretation Matthias Frey, Susanna Gartmayer, Réka Kutas video & objects Susanne Schuda text Bruno Batinic light Victor Duran artistic advice Cornelia Offergeld

A co-production by Tanzquartier Wien and KASAL. With support from the Municipal Department of Cultural Affairs, Vienna, and the Arts Section at the Federal Chancellery of Austria.

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