Drwaing on memories, desires and fears, a multimedia presentation next week looks at the role of angels in our lives. DARA MILOVANOVICH takes a closer look
Machi Demetriou Lindahl is portrayed in the media not only as an artist but also as an ambassador’s wife (her husband is Sweden’s representative in Nicosia) and discussions revolve around her ability to juggle both roles. To me, Machi Lindahl is the quintessential artist. Truly committed to the art of dance and its creation, she is an active member of the dance community whose presence enriches it. It is difficult to leave out her personality as it permeates her work, as well as what she brings to the development of and support for dance in Cyprus.
Her new work, Angel, has been created in collaboration with Achim Wieland and will premier in Nicosia next week, running for a total of five evenings, presented by Asomates Dynameis dance company.
The starting point for this performance was a monologue written and transcribed into a solo by Lindahl, which was presented as a work-in-progress *****. Body Memory 1/Angel was based on the choreographer’s memories and philosophical and emotional meanings implied by the word angel. She then decided to develop the work to include more people in both the creative and performing aspects and share her thoughts and feelings. The result is a multimedia performance that features video, text, songs, and dance.
The choreographic process was handled by Lindahl, while the installation elements were created by Wieland. The two artists worked separately following the same idea of memory, desire and fears. The piece handles memory and desire on a personal level, using performers’ individual/biographical narratives as inspiration, in addition to the memory of society as a whole and the desire to fly.
The work is structured as a series of scenes and images in which a performer is executing a confession. Some are ironic, some candid, some awesome. Each deals with their everyday existence and/or its relation to a spiritual and philosophical existence. The six performers come from different backgrounds. The four women, Alexia Nicolaou, Marina Pogiatzi, Lena Chatzidaki, Demmie da Costa are highly trained contemporary dancers; Marios Ioannou is a well known Cypriot actor, well-versed in alternative performance and dance; and Christoforos Makatsoris is a dancer and aerial artist. Dancing is not limited to the “postmodern” aesthetic, or what is often referred to as “organic” movement but includes different languages of dance.
Lindahl says staging the production is a major achievement, as the Ministry of Education has not supported the performance for so many days, while other art forms receive lengthy presentations spanning a week or more. For performers though, the five-night run is wonderfully rewarding as it offers them an opportunity to brew and mature in the work. Most dance performances in Cyprus take place once or twice, a fact that is hugely disappointing to performers who spend months preparing the work.
Lindahl is a graduate of the State School of Dance in Athens, which classifies her as a highly trained dancer. Her choreographic career spans a number of countries and draws from all of their influences. The company Asomates Dynameis was founded in Paris by Lindahl in 1996, and has performed at dance festivals in Kalamata, Athens and Stockholm, finally finding its base in Cyprus. Lindahl’s Greek roots also influence her work and her beautiful use of language.
I am not always a fan of Lindahl’s work but I am always a fan of her approach. Dancers who have worked with her rave about her giving nature, relentless creativity and commitment. Her students talk about how knowledgeable and fair she is. She is a powerful performer, which sometimes the performers can’t match and which is why, in my experience, her works are strongest when she is in them.
Talking to Lindahl, her serenity, maturity and stability are apparent and this directly translates to her work. The work carries a natural, non-invasive emotionality and a mark of a woman. What distinguishes Lindahl as a choreographer is that she presents her philosophies, emotions and thoughts without indulging or wallowing.
Angel by Machi Demetriou Lindahl, presented by Asomates Dynameis
Kastelliotissa Cultural Center. May 30, 31s and June 10-12. 20:30. Limited Seating; reservations required, Tel: 99 583947
