MY AUGUST FEELS LIKES DECEMBER
a multidisciplinary installation performance by Pieter Desmet
With MY AUGUST FEELS LIKE DECEMBER Pieter Desmet creates an intimate, multidisciplinary performance where contemporary dance, digital video art, sound design and textile scenography work together to develop a contemporary contemplative space where mourning and comfort are given their rightful place.
The loss of his parents, and the little space our society allows for introspection and expression regarding mourning, especially after some time has passed, had and still has a great impact on him.
With MY AUGUST FEELS LIKE DECEMBER, he creates a framework where individual grief experiences, no matter how much time has passed, have a place to be felt and connected.
Grief and sorrow are feelings that everyone deals with in their own way and something that one carries with them forever. It is a part of one's identity that is too often surrounded by a hidden veil. Pieter wants to bring that out of that shadow. The performance is an intimate experience where the performers act as professional mourners, shedding those veils of grief. MY AUGUST FEELS LIKE DECEMBER creates a place where it becomes acceptable to feel grief. Where individual grief becomes communal. Where the visitor can be comforted by the shared experience with a stranger.
CREDITS
directed by Pieter Desmet
created with and performed by Martha Gardner + James Hall + Meron Verbelen
digital video artist, James Hall
sound design, David Poltrock
scenography and costume design, Chris Snik
dramaturgical advice by Katleen Van Langendonck
artistic assistant, Robbe Vandenven
movement assistant, Steffi Mennen
visual advice, Jonathan De Maeyer
production manager, Pauline Van Nuffel
production, Persona
co-production, De Spil + DansBrabant
sales, Vincent Company / PARTIE
was made possible by Grensverleggers, an arrangement to support cultural collaborations between parties in Flanders, the Province of North Brabant, the Province of Limburg and the Province of Zeeland
with the financial support of The Flemish Government + City of Ghent + VONK_studios + De Veerman
residency partners C-TAKT + Ultima Vez + Zuidpool + WALPURGIS|deFENIKS
DATES
3 May 2023 - try-out
DansBrabant, Tilburg, NL
9 June 2023 - try-out
Zuidpool, Antwerpen, BE
4 November 2023 - premiere
De Spil, Roeselare, BE
14 November 2024
CC De Werf, Geel, BE
