Elisa Zuppini: Disambiguation

An exploration of the 'post-clubbing' world

Tue 20 & Wed 21 May
20:30 at Frascati Theater
Coproduced by WhyNot and ATD Expanded Contemporary Dance
Tickets via Frascati

Disambiguation probes the libidinal drive and the sensorial overload linked to the diversified milieus of nocturnal life in its most alluring, enigmatic, and shadowed dimensions. In Disambiguation choreographer and dancer Elisa Zuppini crafts a system where human perception converges with the presence of other-than-human agencies. The sixteen dancers form a pulsing structure in which they extend toward and withdraw from the audience's perceptual field. Like chtonic waves a hybrid circuit of sensation is generated.

The dancers explore an insomniac framework, particularly that of 'post-clubbing' in which the stimulating effects and aftereffects of hedonistic nocturnal life is examined. They perform in a dissociative state of depersonalization, allowing them to resource from something other than conditioned subjectivity. Instead, they take charge of wandering intensities. The identifiable traits of these affects disperse, giving rise to erratic moods across perceptual spectrums. By inhabiting liminal and viscous spaces, the performers explore multiple sensibilities, navigating within the condition of metathreshold (a ceaseless transition, where boundaries dissolve and transformation occurs), where ambiguity itself sculpts tangible states.

Accompanied by deconstructed melodies and industrial rhythms, a haunting gothic trend emerges. Navigating a world erratically attempting to understand itself, Disambiguation reflects on collective agency and how this distributed cognition gives rise to a dramaturgy of affect.

Aftertalks:

Following the performance, researcher and lecturer Zeynep Gündüz will engage in a conversation with choreographer Elisa Zuppini. Drawing on her expertise in media, dance, and performance, Zeynep will delve into Elisa’s research for Disambiguation. The discussion will cover the process of creating a large ensemble piece, as well as the involvement of performers in developing movement and material.

The talk will also touch upon elements of post-clubbing culture and how navigating states of ambiguity can shape different ways of being. These conversations will take place on both evenings and will be held in English.

Credits:

Concept and choreography: Elisa Zuppini | creation in collaboration with the performers: Hannah Badura, Rowan van den Boomen, Tim Brügger, Harvey Burke-Hamilton, Lola Dupriez, Mandisa Gramelsberger, Katrina Gusca, Jieon Ko, Ana Longo Nsame, Maxine van Lishoet, Clémence Masakidi, Esteban Alejandro Obregon Moriano, Envel Serazin, Jentel Schiettekatte, Ditte Toppet | Dramaturgy: Bruno Listopad | Supervisor sound editor: Fabian Reichle featuring original tracks by Lotic and BFRND | Costumes: Elisa Zuppini and Bruno Listopad | Lighting design: Martijn Smolders | Technic and lighting design contribution: Martin Kaffarnik | Producer: Charlot Van Der Meer | Graphic design poster: Bruno Listopad and Tea Teearu | Developed with the support of AFK (Amsterdam Funds for the Arts) co-produced by Expanded Contemporary Dance and WhyNot | Research presentation platforms: Amsterdam University of the Arts (June 2024); FLAM Festival with Museumnacht (November 2024, Amsterdam) | Thanks to the performers, Bruno Listopad, Bojana Bauer, Belle de Wit, Marjolein Vogels, Jacuzzi, Maria Ines Villasmil-Prieto, Gideon Poirier, Rose Akras, Tea Teearu, Zeynep Guntur | Photography: Sjoerd Derine (Amsterdam University of the Arts, June 2024); Thiemi Higashi (FLAM Festival with Museumnacht, November 2024, Amsterdam).

The first development phase of this work took place at Expanded Contemporary Dance, Amsterdam University of the Arts, in May and June 2024, together with more performer from the original cast Efua-Maria Raknerud Aikins, Kofi Boanyah, Federica Lovato, Mia Malencia, Bo Nijssen, May van Leeuwen, Maren Weertman, Hope Landu and the assistance of Tamara Beudeker and Bruno Listopad. This phase was made possible through the invitation of the then artistic director of Expanded Contemporary Dance, Bojana Bauer.