Phrasing the Pain is a group piece based on an original movement phrase, the pain phrase, used in the production I SOLO MENT (2008). This movement phrase originally sprung forth from the feelings of pain and sadness one feels after losing a loved one, a friend, a parent, a child, etc. All the movements came out of these feelings, not one movement was gratuitous. This pain phrase is the basis of a constantly repetitive and rhythmic choreography.

The people in Phrasing the Pain express, relive and grapple with their rage, aggression, desperation, pride and, literally, their pain for audiences and the outside world to see. A compelling, transforming, emotional, and rhythmic choreography.

choreography Ann Van den Broek
original cast Sylva Necasová, Natasa Novotná, Ombline Noyer, Václav Kunes, Milan Odstrcil, Stepán Pechar, Sasa Volný
music Arne van Dongen, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
lighting design Ann Van den Broek, Adam Uzelac
rehearsal director/assistant choreographer Cecilia Moisio, Jan Deboom
photography Pavel Hejnyý
premiere December 14, 2014, Archa Theatre, Prague (CZ)

Phrasing the Pain is a co-production by 420PEOPLE (CZ), Archa Theatre (CZ) and WArd/waRD (NL/BE).

WArd/waRD

“This piece sees all of the performers at their best.The analysis of inner suffering goes to the core. Phrasing the Pain is a probe exploring a single issue. And that is precisely what makes it strong, despite all of its abstractness.”

– Opera Plus (CZ)