Boulevard Humaine takes as its starting point the piece Okho by Yannis Xenakis, a commissioned piece intended to celebrate 200 years since the French Revolution and written for a distinctively African instrumentation. Created for 3 female performers, it is a creative exploration of interculturalism and response through dance to Xenakis’ themes and rhythms, alongside notions of belonging and the core question of how we can be different together. Echoing the political tones of the music, the title Boulevard Humaine alludes on the ways humanity and various notions of its constitution are endorsed within specific boundaries. One only needs to remember that initially boulevard was a promenade taking the place of a demolished fortification, now planted with rows of trees, ‘… full with marks of the many names and the many stories hidden within them….’
CREDITS
Concept, Artistic Direction, Choreography: Zoi Dimitriou
Performance: Funmi Adewole, Natalia Baka, Zoi Dimitriou
Music: Okho by Yannis Xenakis, What a wonderful world by Louis Armstrong
Original Sound composition: Sam Hayden
Dramaturgy: Funmi Adewole, Zoi Dimitriou
Artistic Consultant: Yorgos Valais
Lighting Designer: Tasos Palaioroutas
Set and Costume Design: Dafni Aidoni
Communication: Eva Skrob
Social Media: Social Wave Ath
Creative Producer: Steven Brett
Production Management: Goodheart Productions
Supported using public funding by the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports, and the Arts Council of England. Supported by Dance Umbrella, Duncan Research Centre for Dance, The Hellenic Centre and TrinityLaban.
VENUES
The Hellenic Centre, London
22 February 2024
Plyfa, Athens
27-30 December 2023
Studio Sessions, Dance Umbrella, London
14 October 2023