Images galore, each revealing intricate pores, in "Millepertuis"
A sole dance performance titled "Millepertuis," choreographed by Sovann Rochon-Prom Tep, captivated audiences during the Festival TransAmériques. Walid "Waldo" Hammani, the central performer, initiated the performance by methodically, yet playfully, navigating the stage while maintaining eye contact with the audience.
"Millepertuis," which derives from a French term meaning "a thousand holes," dives deep into the connection between Hammani, the space, and the audience. The character that Hammani portrays, a pastel-clad vagabond reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin or a white clown, ties together elements of street dances such as electro, break, and hip-hop. This installation showcases the passage from external mental images to pure sensations and back, eliciting a sense of intimacy.
Hammani's pointed gaze set the stage for this dynamic interplay. His deft moves, speed, and dance serve as an extension of his imagination, fluidly surging between the audience and himself. One moment, Hammani appears lost in a whirlwind of energy, the next, he exudes an endearing candor that endears the audience to him.
In a dance that deconstructs movement with precision, we find shades of Eadweard Muybridge's zoopraxography, punctuated by amusing expressions and glimpses of gentle madness. Hammani's flexible limbs and jaw-dropping agility, specifically his lightning-fast arm movements and elastic leg work, play a crucial role in the performance. However, it's the work of the gaze—what Hammani sees, carries, and transports—that truly sets "Millepertuis" apart.
The connection between Hammani and the audience is essential to the performance's captivating power. The choreography transitions from "excitement and euphoria" to "calm and softness," echoing the therapeutic qualities of St. John's Wort, also known as the herb of St. John. This piece follows the desired path from sensation to a deeper intimacy, guiding the audience on a journey from external images to internal sensations, and beyond.
While we cannot verify the circumstances that led to this particular collaboration between Sovann Rochon-Prom Tep and Walid "Waldo" Hammani, "Millepertuis" represents a thought-provoking and evocative exploration of dance, intimacy, and connection.
The dance performance, titled "Millepertuis," rooted in a French term, creates an intimate bond between the audience and the central performer, Walid "Waldo" Hammani, as he showcases elements of French entertainment through his character's pastel-clad vagabond persona, reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin or a white clown, blending street dances like electro, break, and hip-hop.
The interplay between Hammani's gazed direction and his fluid, breathtaking moves serves as a bridge connecting him with the audience, transforming the performance into a captivating exploration of French entertainment and connection.
