When in 1353 Black Plague was disappearing from Europe, the citizens of Old Continent faced unprecedented loss. Almost forty percent of all people leaving at the time died of incurable disease, leaving social and intimate relations between people filled with distrust, suspicion and most of all: fear. Thanks to dance and its collective nature, it was possible to restore common trust to the Others, as well as to their bodies. Danse Macabre performed in many cities of Europe, was dedicated to the acceptance of death, bodies and new realm.

In 2020 incomparably smaller pandemic stopped the entire World. The following waves of infections, lockdowns and fear of unknown affected interpersonal relations, demolishing our habits. Regardless of life situation, pandemic became common experience for all of us. In effect, social distrust and physical distance became even bigger issue than they already were.

Renata Piotrowska-Auffret researches social and physical aspects of Danse Macabre, focusing on somatic and community-based aspects of constant, uninterrupted dance — the one, that soothes anxiety, gives opportunity to (re)discover joy, distance and united power of group of people.

Choreography, text and directed by: Renata Piotrowska-Auffret

Assistant: Aleksandra Osowicz

Music: Marcin Janus

Set design and costumes: Zuzanna Srebrna

Lights and dramaturgy consultation:

Joanna Leśnierowska 

Video: Simon Auffret

Music and choir consultant: Anna Szwajgier

Performed by/choreography collaboration: 

Cecylia Caban, Katarzyna Osipuk, Artur Paczesny, Konrad Wosik, Dana Chmielewska, Aleksandra Bożek-Muszyńska, Magdalena Fejdasz, Aleksandra Osowicz

Curator: Michał Rogulski

Produced by: JK Opole Theatre

Co-produced by: Art Stations Foundation by Grażyna Kulczyk

premiere June 18th, 2021 at Teatr Kochanowskiego, Opole, PL 

pictures / courtesy of theatre