In this piece, Vanessa Brazeau questions her own perception of femininity. She highlights how important it is to understand our own experiences when approaching such a theme. The piece explores possibilities, inconsistencies, and similarities through other people’s eyes. Created in collaboration with artists identifying as female, the piece is inspired by a psychoanalytical approach linking our “Ideal Self”, our “Self” and our relationship to the “Other”. Vanessa Brazeau explores this relationship to the “Other” – society, culture, family, colleagues, etc. – and how it relates to our relationship with femininity.
Our mind is constantly conflicted between our conscious and subconscious, creating a fascinating individual complexity. The choreographer looks at how a femininity duality builds within someone identifying as female. Assuming that reality is inexplicable through spoken or written language, the piece expresses thoughts through poetical body language, a powerful force when words are insufficient to express our conscious thoughts.
The piece attempts to create a relationship between the duality of our body and our mind. The performer’s body language remains active for extended periods of time, and we use repetition, tiredness, and a desire to explore the subconscious. Through prolonged periods of rhythmic, continuous, and tiring movements, we start identifying recurring images, body positions and specific movements we can compare to the psychological state of the performer.
Vanessa Brazeau , Maïka Giasson , Marie-Michelle Darveau & Jessica Gauthier
Performance Photo: Hugo B. Lefort
