Zeus Archive
A written archive, impressions and reflection by Zahira Mous
Because of the focus on POC and queer perspectives within this research, we wanted to archive respectably towards the sensitive topics, with an holistic awareness. Thank you Zahira Mous for your guidance, inspiration and very accurate observations and gathering of information. This helped us during our process and nourished the premiere and shows to come.
-Robin Nimanong
A mystical and multi-layered living exhibition and performance
Text by: Zahira Mous
Children of Zeus, mythical whispers of the inner wounded premiered on May 12th at the Bellevue Theater in Amsterdam. This performance lives at the crossroads of a live arts installation and interdisciplinary theater. Dance maker and performer Robbeduz (Robin Nimanong) and visual artist Valentina Gal have co-created a mystical ecosystem in which sophisticated scenography, physical theater and ballroom meet, embedded in queer feminism. This multilayered dimension leaves one contemplating their own existence.
While the audience enters, two queer performers, Qiqi (Qiyun Zheng) and Fleur van der Schaaf, are moving their bodies in ways that resemble plants that sit at the bottom of the sea. They make movements with their torso and limbs as if being moved by the waves of the water. The performers are standing in a large water basin of ten centimeters depth, in which silver lotus petals are placed. Metal looking lotus flowers rise from the corners of this mythical ‘swamp.
’The lotus flowers are a reference to Buddhism and a connection to Robbeduz’s Thai background, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. In a previous conversation, Robbeduz shared that Valentina and them have a shared fascination for water and natural elements. And that the use of water is a metaphor for non-binary fluidity. They call this ‘queer ecology. ’A dim light shines on the water, which creates reflections of rippling water on the walls besides the audience. The audience sits 270° around the swamp.
In my impression, the performance is presented in three acts. In the first act, Qiqi and Fleur show the vulnerabilities of Being, of becoming a ‘lotus dancer’ and a ‘sword dancer, ’ engaging with varying realities. The dancers embody Aphrodite and Ares archetypes of love and war.
The performers carve out a new world that cuts through time and space with a sword. Qiqi spreads a white substance (rice flour) into the water, through which Fleur sweeps the sword. They move the color around the water and create various lines that look like whirly pathways. This section transitions into the second act, in which Qiqi dances vogue, a movement style from ballroom. They are living and embodying a new, queer world, on their own terms.
As Robbeduz appears, the other performers take lotus bowls from which they throw a red substance (beetroot powder) into the air and the water. It becomes a blood swamp. The third act starts. Robbeduz appears as Zeus, moving their arms above their head to create thunder while lights flicker. A transformation takes place, in which Zeus dies, an animalistic form arises, which turns into a new human; playful and free.
In addition to the movement, choreography and subtle qualities of how this piece is performed, other ‘characters’ aid the multi-layered qualities of this work, such as the musical compositions that show electronic work, slow sweeping meditative sounds, and Thai influences woven together with well written poetic works that were pre-recorded and utilized in the performance atstrategic moments. An entire ecosystem evolves, in which the production elements dance a mystical dance together. Waving and weaving together.
The work questions oppressive systems and frameworks that impose restrictions and shine light of west and east to contrast. Children of Zeus reminds us that we can create our own reality. That we can express ourselves in ways that feel natural to us. And that perhaps the way to break free from harmful systems is to remember and celebrate one’s essence. This living exhibition invites one to slow down and travel inward.