Kamu Jij
April 2005 – Netherlands Malaysia Indonesia
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April 2005 – Netherlands Malaysia Indonesia
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The dark, 19th century colonial thriller (The Hidden Power) by Louis Couperus as well as contemporary developments and topics in Dutch-Indonesian and Indonesian society formed the inspiration for this intriguing ensemble piece. The delicate choreography for five dancers and staging including five mosquito nets, a video beamer and electronic music, particularly focuses on the subject of a double standard concerning erotic morality.
Since Couperus described the secretive and sensual ambiguity of East Java one century ago (which applied even more so for Dutch-Indonesia) the contemporary situation within the Indonesian community has not really changed and it still seems to struggle with a dubious attitude towards sexuality, affection and their expression. Probably partially motivated by the intention to irradicate once and for all morality laws dating from the Dutch colonial period, the present Indonesian government has recently considered a reformation of its legal code with the goal of severely persecuting any public exhibition of (intimate) affection. Unfortunately public morality, legal systems and taboos often restrict human behaviour and needs which are in essence completely natural. During the finale of the performance ancient texts hopefully will remind us of a time when the expression of eroticism was considered natural and even poetic.
Ming Wei Poon was able to take part in the tour thanks to the kind permission of the Compania Zapala Danze in Catania, Italy with whom he is affiliated. Special thanks to Antje Velsheijn, Dr. Maarten Mulder, Erasmushuis, Teoh Ming Jin, Luc Schillings, Bureau Kunsteducatie Amersfoort.
The 2005 Asia Tour was made possible through the support of the Erasmus Huis Jakarta, the Dutch National Council for the Performing Arts (FAPK), the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Center, the Royal Dutch Embassy Kuala Lumpur and ISI Yogyakarta, STSI Denpasar.
World Premiere :
3rd of April 2005 at Theatre De Lieve Vrouw, Amersfoort, Netherlands
THE DUTCH PRESS ABOUT (KAMU/JIJ – 2005)
“Best of both worlds” (Haagsche Courant),
“Glorious dance performance” (Eindhovens Dagblad),
“Intriguing dance piece” (Leeuwarder Courant),
“Kamu/Jij by Gerard Mosterd is accurate and full of subtleties”
(Utrechts Nieuwsblad).
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