Blind Willow | JOHANNESSEN

« The image of bound eyes that I use in this creation is taken from Greek mythology, specifically Themis who symbolises divine and natural law, order and justice. She is represented as a beautiful woman, sometimes wearing a blindfold. She holds scales in one hand and a sword in the other. A similar image was used for the Roman goddess Justitia. The blindfold represents objectivity insofar as justice is, or should be dispensed objectively, without fear or favour, regardless of identity, money, power or weakness. A blind and impartial justice...
 

The dancer in Blind Willow, who chooses to wear a blindfold over her eyes, does so perhaps so she cannot see, or to filter what her environment is showing her. It is too difficult to remain objective, to confront the truth. Maybe she wants to leave these things in the unconscious?

The scales in the hand of justice provide themes that allow me to explore the concept of balance. In the various duos they perform, the dancers work with the balance of the body. A detail related to the touch of a hand, a word, a look... How does that affect our balance? This is what is important for me ».
 

Ina Christel Johannessen

"Blind Willow" | I.C. JOHANNESSEN
Choreography: Ina Christel Johannessen
Scenography: Kristin Torp
Costumes: Kristin Torp
Lighting: Samuel Théry
Music: Ryoji Ikeda, Alva Noto, Tommy Janssen, Dakota Suite, Murcof, Hannu

Premiere by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, on December 21st 2012, Grimaldi Forum Monaco