RIPE BODY
RIPE BODY and RIPE BODY: RIP IT is a cross-genre, solo dance performance in two parts, that seeks to deconstruct and redefine our understanding of femininity. Originating in one body and two universes, RIPE BODY delves into the battle of being seen both as subject and object - willingly and not. In a transparent box with a mirror-clad floor and ceiling, the scenography lifts the dancer up, like on a pedestal. A space that constantly bounces the gaze of performer and audience back and forth between the two, and where the question of whose gaze is being catered to repeats itself by the approach of an answer.
In this first part of the piece, RIPE BODY is a performance-installation in which the performer and audience experience the body as a meaty, organic sculpture merging in and out of familiar shapes, awkward contortions and a gaze that mimics connection. As the title suggests, RIPE BODY centers around the way attention, moral and accesibility historially has been tied to feminine bodies, artefacts and qualities. In the fully transparent displaycase, the performing body invites the audience to study closely the clay-like molding of something feminine and their own reactions to the bodys unfolding.
The installation invites audience members to join in at their own pace. During the entire performance audience members are free to move around the space, lay on the floor mirror, come and go as they please, talk softly and document the performance through pictures or video.
RIPE BODY is dedicated to everyone and anyone who connects to the feminine universe in any degree, shape or form.
Choreographer and performer: Ruth Rebekka Hansen
Composer and live-musician: Lauge Heebøll
Set design and build: Anders Toft Pedersen
Costume design: Benedikte Beate Hansen
Dramaturg: Luna Stage
Touring light design and technician: Brian Cord’homme
Original light-concept: Elke Laleman
Administrator, KOMMA Performance Productions: Astrid Gravsholt
RIPE BODY is co-produced by Roskilde Festival, Aaben Dans, Bora Bora, Teater Momentum and Dansehallerne, and is administrated by KOMMA Performance Productions.
Thank you to Aage og Johanne Louis-Hansens Fond, William Demant Fonden and Dansk Skuespillerforbund for supporting the development and production of RIPE BODY.
The concept for RIPE BODY was developed initially at a residency at Härnösand Folkhögskola with ilYoung/ilDance during the fall of 2022. It was shown shortly after at Aabent Laboratorium, Aaben Dans Roskilde.
The original 20 minute stage version was shown at GRASP Festival in 2023.
RIPE BODY was developed further in october 2023 during Ruth’s time in Aabent Rum. More about Aabent Rum: https://aabendans.dk/2907-2/
