FTA Performance Goings - INK

*Deadline：2023.10. 16*

Being and the subconscious — the most personal work to date of a true master of visual spectacle

Internationally-acclaimed choreographer Dimitris Papaioannou returns to dance on stage after a decade, sharing it with a younger dancer who could be his“double”. The guardian of a submerged, flooded universe tries to maintain its order. The intrusion of a visitor from the bowels of the earth disrupts the guardian’s solitary balance, introducing tenderness and torment and probing a fine line between the two. Is this a beguiling tango, a gripping chase, or an attempt at escape?

Set on the dark, bare stage, with only an irrigation system visible to the eye, INK is Papaioannou’s latest creation of magical illusion, the dance-like push-and-pull between the two is filled with metaphor; juxtaposing stillness with violence, they portray a primal repose and stalemate, drawing the audience irresistibly into this nightmare.

INK is Papaioannou’s newest work dating from the COVID pandemic, distilling emotions and reflections on his life-long interests such as painting, religions, aliens, sci-fi, Greek mythology and dark fantasy. Emanating from his most introspective being, he plumbs the subconscious, coming face to face with conflict, desire and fear.

INK received the Ubu Award for best foreign show presented in Italy in 2021.