The following are photos by Ricky Seabra of a piece by Amsterdam-based choreographer Donald Fleming with background phrases and projections by Ricky Seabra.
Com(e)post combines the old debate of nature vs. nurture with the newer debate surrounding gene research. Com(e)post toured 12 cities in Holland in 1997-98. Scroll down to view images. For more information on this piece scroll to the bottom of this page.

Propelled by recent discoveries in the study of genetics, Fleming explores in theater-dance new aspects of an old debate, that of nature vs. nurture. The quartet addresses ideas, however ironic, (some humorous, some deadly serious) about how genetic make-up influences behaviour and negotiation in interdependent physical relationships. Combining "dansant" passages, intricate partnering, "non"-dance sequences, and distinctive solos, Com(e)post reveals the unexpected logic that results when natural impulses are interrupted or subverted. The movement imagery asks what is artificial, what is organic, what is mutated, what is normal, what is not. Although "pure dance", in Com(e)post there is an underlying physiological score contained in the bones and breath of the performers (what Fleming calls "emotional triggers"). Orchestrated as series of abstracted, yet "readable events", it exposes their selfish & mutual motivations as they move between states of stability and disintegration.

concept/choreography: Donald Fleming

dancers: Sarah van Lamsweerde Marc Nukoop Carole Perdereau Donald Fleming

lighting design: Alexandre Malta

Phrases & projections: Ricky Seabra

sound design: Marc Nukoop / montage with Barry Adamson, Meat Beat Manifesto, Sonic Youth, Bernard Herrmann, Marvin Gaye, J.S. Bach, Messiaen, Inuit, Source Lab, Coil, Tricky, Dillinga, Jesus Lizard, Gloria Lynne, Howard Shore, Wendy Camost and Rachel Elkind

Com(e)post is a production of Stichting Or Else with financial support from Anjerfonds Amsterdam. Additional help was provided by Theatervoorziening Cosmic, DansWerkplaats Amsterdam, School for New Dance Development and Studio Singel.

For more information and booking: Marion Hübscher, administration. Telephone: +31.20.4207863 / 6710749 Fax:+31.20.6795057 StichtingOrElse, Eerste Helmersstraat 104, 1054 EG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
 

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