YEAR 2 | U(R)TOPIAS ACADEMY OF CHOREOGRAPHY
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YEAR 2 | U(R)TOPIAS ACADEMY OF CHOREOGRAPHY -
PART OF 2023 ΕΛΕΥΣΙΣ | EUROPEAN CAPITAL of CULTURE
MYSTERY 59 / YEAR 2 / EPISODE 1
25KM (S.02 E.01)
Eliane Roumie
DATES: 29 & 30 June, 1 & 2 July 2023
Concept · Choreography Elian Roumie · Kinetic Research Elian Roumie in collaboration with Zoi Efstathiou, Nancy Nerantzi, and Marina Tsapekou · Sound Design Manos Paterakis · Set Design Stavros Balis · Cinematography · Editing · Photography Konstantinos Kalavrezos · Graphic Design Giannis Schoinas · Performance Zoi Efstathiou, Nancy Nerantzi, Marina Tsapekou
Inspired by the ancient Eleusinian Procession, the artistic approach of this project focuses on the experience of a long-lasting procession on foot, drawing stimulus and exploring the ways in which this collective experience can be translated into movement. The anticipation of departure, the ephemeral contact with nature, the need to purify the soul and body, and the prolonged arrival represent different aspects of kinetic research and constitute the building material for the composition of a contemporary collective ritual. 25km consists of an artistic documentary, a visual map and a dance performance in the city of Elefsina. The project aims to propose a new Procession, based on the old and the contemporary history of the place, combined with the need of the individual to live in the present.
We have arrived.
Now what?
A NOTE BY THE CHOREOGRAPHER
Because again,
like one long sick when he first ventures forth
to milk life from the outside world,
I walked alone at dusk
along the road that starts at Athens
and for its destination has the sanctuary at Eleusis
—the road that for me was always
the Soul’s road.
The Sacred Way
— Aggelos Sikelianos (1935)
The creative process that a new idea follows can contribute to the emergence of a new aspect of ourselves. The history of the city of Elefsina gave birth to a desire in me to explore the power of collective ritual through the route of the ancient Eleusinian Procession, which aimed at the elevation of the soul and the discovery of a new self.
I asked myself,
what can this route offer now?
how can I reach Elefsina on foot from Athens?
can I reverently follow the ancient road of the Sacred Way?
what can the experience of physical fatigue by walking a long distance bring to the surface?
Walking 25 km with my companions, in silence.
© Photos: John Kouskoutis
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STATION: POLLUTED - DON'T LOOK!ΣΤΑΘΜΟΣ: ΜΟΛΥΣΜΕΝΟ - ΜΗΝ ΚΟΙΤΑΣ!S.02 E.02