In Iran, dancing has been officially prohibited since the start of the Islamic Revolution. All dance groups have been forced to cease their activities and many dancers and choreographers fled abroad. Those who remained have to be very resourceful in order to keep their art form alive. In This is not a dance, Nastaran brings the voices of choreographers and dancers living in Iran to the stage – a performance that faces censorship. What can be shown, what must remain hidden? How do they deal with the ban on dancing? How do they practice their profession, what dangers do they face, what freedoms do they fight for?
This is not a dance is a tribute to the body that wants to move. A reverence for art that must be created, in any way, shape, or form.
Credits:
Concept, direction, acting: Nastaran Razawi Khorasani
Scenography, video: Peter van Til
Music: Joost Maaskant
Light: Minna Tiikkainen
Dramaturgy: Aukje Verhoog
Costume: Rebekka Wörrman
Production by Theater Rotterdam
Retno Sulistyorini
Retno Sulistyorini began learning dance at the age of 15 at the Indonesian Karawitan High School (SMKI) Surakarta, and continued to study dance at the Indonesian Art Institute (ISI) Surakarta. As a dance artist, Retno was awarded the Empowering Women Artist by the Kelola Foundation (2010-2011). Apart from creating her own works, she also actively collaborates with other choreographers, directors and artists.