zwei zu zwei – eine filmische Annäherung

experimental documentary of the performance zwei zu zwei by Keshava / Tharayil (CH/DE), 2021

 

More information on the Kaserne project page.

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" at first it will feel like watching a dance without subtitles
like hearing a language without a body "

Because of a COVID lockdown phase, Keshava / Tharayil were not able to show their performance two to two in front of an audience, so they decided to collaborate with film maker Michelle Ettlin on a cinematic approach to the stage piece, creating an assemblage of intimate images recorded during the development of the piece. A peek into a theatrical process that is to found its completion in June 2021 at Reithalle (Kaserne Basel, CH).

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In zwei zu zwei, Anjali and Sumitra Keshava and Ralph and Norwin Tharayil join each other on stage as Indian-Swiss sibling couples. Within the framework of a fictitious dance lesson, the authors and performers attempt to learn the traditional Indian dance art of Bharatanatyam from the two dancers. Moving, twisting and bending their bodies gradually results in a critical dance experience in which the Keshavas and the Tharayils explore the issues of identity, belonging and cultural (re)presentation. The four performers address their individual vulnerability through a process of physical and linguistic mediation, thereby discovering the medium of dance as a possible form of self-empowerment.