“This is not a lament, it’s the cry of a bird of prey. An iridescent and restless bird. The kiss upon the dead face. I write as if to save somebody’s life. Probably my own. Life is a kind of madness that death makes. Long live the dead because we live in them.” – A Breath of Life by Clarice Lispector
Join Brazilian-British choreographer Jean Abreu for a two-day research lab exploring the physical language of mourning, grief and laments, inspired by Abreu’s ongoing collaboration As They Are: Mantras for the Body (working title) with dance dramaturg Guy Cools.
Offering an open space, this lab will offer opportunities to experiment with voice, text/spoken word and polyphonic music traditions in order to create a physical movement language that expresses openness, empathy and support. Jean will draw on a variety of references from music, visual art and writing as a way to transform classical polyphonic music and traditional laments, placing them in a contemporary context.
This lab is intended for professional dancers, movement/somatics practitioners, singers and vocal artists who are interested in researching how we can use the body/voice as a way to articulate vulnerability and find strength.
Please note that the lab will take place 12.30pm – 6pm on Saturday and on 11am – 5pm on Sunday. It will also grant you free access to the artist talk and book launch with Jean Abreu and Guy Cools on the Saturday evening.
Part of Siobhan Davies Studios September Housewarming.
Born in Brazil, Jean Abreu moved to London in 1996 after receiving a scholarship to study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire for Music and Dance. In 2003 he was awarded the Jerwood Choreography Award and became an Associate Artist at The Place in London.
Since then his work has toured throughout the UK, Europe and Brazil including performances for Royal Opera House, Dance Umbrella Festival, Southbank Centre, Julidans Festival, the Auditório Ibirapuera São Paulo. He founded Jean Abreu Dance in 2009. Jean has been a movement director for fashion magazines and global advertising campaigns including TikTok, Nike, OutThere Magazine. He has taught extensively in renowned dance organisations and universities in the UK and across the globe.
