A show the law will consider as mine
Where does homage end? Where does plagiarism begin? The reuse and recycling of gestures have always been central to my choreographic thinking. For this invitation to Avignon, I approach these questions from a legal perspective. You will attend a performed lecture inspired by examples from recent dance history. Dancing instead of using a PowerPoint.
I question an intellectual property lawyer: can I reproduce a famous choreography by slowing it down? By speeding it up? What is the speed limit for it to be legally allowed? In music, it is possible to quote short sequences of a few seconds—does the same rule apply to dance? If so, can I rearrange the order of these sequences? Can I rewind them? Can I perform a pas de deux from Swan Lake by reversing the genders, giving the dancer’s role to the ballerina and vice versa? If it is forbidden to perform a piece facing the audience, can I dance it with my back to them?
This performance aims to explore these sometimes murky questions—perhaps even more so in the realm of dance. This lecture is also an attempt to produce a live performance before the audience, operating within the limits set by the law, so that this reflection gives birth to a form.
What choreography can emerge from these legal constraints? What space do these restrictions leave for real-time improvisation, integrating possibilities and prohibitions, what can be done and what must not be done? How can I create—from a foundation that does not belong to me—a performance that the law will recognize as my own?
Distribution / Team
- Olga Dukhovna: concept and performance
- Pauline Léger: legal advisor and performance
- Mackenzy Bergile: sound composition and performance
- Simon Hatab: dramaturgy
- Amélie-Anne Chapelain: production director
- Enora Floc’h: production management
Premiere
- 2025, july 9, 10, 11, 12 — Jardin de la Vierge du Lycée Saint-Joseph (Festival d'Avignon x SACD - «Vive le sujet ! Tentatives»)
Partners
- Production C.A.M.P
- Coproduction SACD-Festival d'Avignon
