Infos pratiques

Location

Théâtre Varia

Duration

1 hour 10 minutes

Languages

Français Anglais

€13 / €17 / €22 / €27 / €36

Public

Ages 15 and over

Accessibility

14—16.04.2027

Tickets

Spine of Desire

Wounds without tears, carved from a single piece of skin into diamonds and such

Stanley Ollivier

Danse

Following two highly acclaimed productions, including a solo piece, *The Mirror Stand*, the multi-talented and prolific artist Stanley Ollivier invites us to explore the concept of care within the performing arts: *Spine of Desire* is a bridge between dream and reality, a dreamlike space where rage and infinite tenderness intertwine.

Dates and Times

Wednesday 14 April 2027	19h00	Tickets
Thursday 15 April 2027	20h00	Tickets
Friday 16 April 2027	20h00	Tickets

Summary

It is a work that is almost indescribable, much like the emotions buried deep within oneself. A sense of stagnation that stems from a vulnerability to the world, as if all its love and violence had found a specific space in which to be regurgitated. Bodies move across the stage, sometimes together, sometimes separately, defining a space of care that is both secret and shared.

Spine of Desire is a gesture of anger and hope. If it were a specific moment in a day, it would be the elusive instant between a night drawing to a close and a day slow to dawn. All the light that permeates the performance evokes this suspended moment that dispels the last shadows of the night. Obsessions, sadness and melancholy mingle with the joy and exhilaration of an endless celebration. A few familiar objects embody memories of a Creole garden, a private sanctuary, or become a mirror reflecting a darkness to be atoned for. The bodies of Stanley Ollivier, Lily Brieu Nguyen and Mamadou Wagué convey both anguish and resilience, notably through the steps of a cyclical footwork. Care is explored in all its physical and mental dimensions: from the dense, textured intangible to face masks.

Spine of Desire is both a cry and a quest. A narrative woven from individual stories and shared experiences. Here, dance initiates a ritual of collective healing. Creating a space-time without precise boundaries, this choreographic work is as much a matter of suffocating lucidity as it is of liberating trance.

Maryan Sayd

Cast

Concept and artistic direction: Stanley Ollivier
Creation, choreography and performance: Lily Brieu Nguyen, Mamadou Wagué, Stanley Ollivier, alternating with Patric da Cunha
Music, sound design: Villads Klint, featuring zithers played by Victoria Mingot, saxophone by Jacob Marstrand Loyanae and a kompa mix by Stanley Ollivier
Dramaturgy: Audrey Merilus, Marie Umuhoza
Set design: Lou Cocody-Valentino
Costumes: Godwin Agossah Vocal coach: Laryssa Kim Lighting design, creative stage management and tour stage management: Ivan Cascon Lighting technician: Jamison Van Den Driessche Video direction: Valérianne Poidevin

Credits

Produced by HIROS
Co-produced by Kaaitheater, workspacebrussels, KAAP, kunstencentrum BUDA, Schouwburg Kortrijk, VIERNULVIER, La Bellone, Arsenic, Be My Guest
Residency at Studio-La Briqueterie CDCN (FR), TanzHaus Zürich (CH), HAUT Scene (DK), workspacebrussels (BE), STUK Leuven (BE), kunstencentrum BUDA (BE), Kunstenwerkplaats (BE), GC De Krie- kelaar (BE)
With the support of the Flemish Community, the Flemish Community Commission. Thanks to Matias, Maria, Soa, Sékou, Benjamin, Alexandre, and Marie D.V.

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Spine of Desire

Wounds without tears, carved from a single piece of skin into diamonds and such

Stanley Ollivier