Photo: Leo Selvaggio
Among the cultural currencies available to members of a society is the salutary value of equal treatment, recognition and the sense of belonging that is the product of tolerance and mutual self-respect. At the heart of much schism in our culture today is the struggle to cope with a generalized lack of consent that is the manifest opposite of this, and of the trauma such (often malicious) ill treatment can cause; it is also the subject of Haydée Souffrant’s first new choreographic work in over six years. It’s “mainly how individuals with chronic pain/trauma and mental wellness are constantly seeking moments of feeling ‘together,’ moving as a unified person,” she explains. “The title reflects the examination and relationship someone seeking mental wellness has when they seek wellness, but said disorders and trauma can often prevent them from doing so,” Souffrant says. Her program is a well-articulated investigation in terms of both form and content, not to mention its incorporation of an interdisciplinary “mini installation” she uses to help “highlight and emphasize the investigation of mental well(ness) and body trauma/memory.” Souffrant goes on to say this: “My performance and installation work explores dance with reality, memory, personal and communal history.” That history begins with the acceptance of a kind of synchronized enfranchisement, a performative mutual respect that our society needs more of. Souffrant shares the bill with fellow Oberlin grad Nora Sharp, presenting her new work “For Our Purposes.” (Michael Workman)
“Belonging: In Sync” at Links Hall, 3111 North Western, (773)327-5252. September 16-18 at 7pm. $15 adults. Tickets at linkshall.org.
