La chute, inspired by Eugene Ionesco’s Rhinoceros, is a dark and compelling solo that deals with the search to define one’s identity and to validate one’s values, moral code, and beliefs in the face of certain uncertainty.
Dance and performance merge to explore what happens to a man when his identity slips between his fingers until he no longer knows exactly who or what he has become. He weaves between innocence, anger, frustration, and vulnerability in the blink of an eye, balancing on the verge of insanity.
At times playful, intimate, and absurd, this otherwise physically dynamic solo reveals itself as an expression of the ephemeral nature of identity. Pride, humour, degradation, surrender. When we begin to strip away the layers, who do we become? What is left?
David and Emily on La chute:
Our solo work, La chute, is deeply rooted in our fascination with the Theatre of the Absurd, sparked by our exploration of Eugene Ionesco's iconic play, "Rhinoceros." This journey into the absurdity of human existence, where individuals transform into rhinoceroses, struck a profound chord within us, becoming a significant source of inspiration for our creative process.
As we delved into the themes of "Rhinoceros," we found ourselves immersed in discussions about identity, conformity, and existential angst. We were particularly drawn to the protagonist's struggle to maintain their individuality amidst societal pressures towards homogeneity. This existential dilemma resonated deeply with us, prompting introspection and reflection on our own experiences navigating conformity and preserving our sense of self.
In bringing La chute to life, we aimed to translate our personal reflections and insights into a performance that invites viewers to confront the complexities of human existence. Through movement, emotion, and narrative, the solo work unfolds as a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, mirroring our own struggles and experiences.
As the protagonist grapples with the erosion of their identity, La chute becomes a visceral exploration of the individual's battle against the tide of conformity and societal expectations. Through the lens of the Theatre of the Absurd, we hope to prompt viewers to contemplate their own journey of identity, the absurdity of existence, and the search for meaning in a world marked by irrationality and chaos.
What the press is
saying about La chute :
Choreography:
David Albert-Toth & Emily Gualtieri
Dancer: David Albert-Toth
Choreographic Mentor: Mélanie Demers
Lighting & Set Design: Paul Chambers
Partners:
Circuit-Est Centre Chorégraphique
Gen J & the Jewish Community Foundation
Thank you:
Andrew Turner, Milan Panet-Gigon, David Vilder, Josh Usheroff
Distinctions:
Audience Choice Award, Festival dance:made in canada, 2015
Top 10 moments in dance, The Dance Current, 2013 Round-Up
Premiered at Tangente Laboratoire Mouvements Contemporains, 2013
2013
25 minutes
1 performers