THE POWER OF THE ORDINARY

The Power of the Ordinary is an instant composition dance and sound performance that explores the relationship between objects, movement, sound and human expression. The piece engages a dancer, a musician and the audience in an interactive experience with everyday objects that trigger improvised responses from the dancer and musician.

At the edge of the performance stage there’s an empty altar, serving as a link to the audience's engagement. Next to the altar lie various everyday objects – a glass, a book, a shoe and others. Each object carries its own history, symbolism, and potential for interpretation. During the piece, the audience is encouraged to select an object and place it upon the altar, thus becoming active participants in shaping the unfolding performance.

Once an object is placed on the altar, the dancer reacts instinctively to the chosen object and starts the composition, weaving movements inspired by its form, texture, and emotional resonance. Meanwhile, the musician responds, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors and enhances the dancer's movements by adding synthesized sounds and vocalizations.

As the dancer and musician engage in this dialogue the piece evolves with each new object placed upon the altar. The audience plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the piece, too. At any moment, a spectator may choose to intervene, replacing the current object on the altar with a different one. This act of exchange challenges the dancer and musician to adapt and respond in real-time, exploring spontaneity, collaboration and the power of ordinary objects to evoke emotion and provoke creativity. 

Creation & performance: Clara Sertl & Salomé Rodrigues

Original Sound: Clara Sertl

Choreography Direction: Salomé Rodrigues

Co-production: Cordillera Berlin

Premiere: 20th April 2024 - Cordillera Berlin, Germany