Produced by MOTUS
with the support of Regione Toscana
“THE DIVINA” is a choreographic project that, in the occasion of the 700th anniversary of Dante Alighieri’s death, looks at the modernity of some female characters described in the “Divina Commedia”, underlining their relevance to understand issues that are still present over the centuries
The female figures of the “Commedia” are inspired by Greek myths or by the Bible, they are real historical characters or they belong to collective imagination; they are often placed by Dante in Purgatory or in Hell, as it happens to Pentesilea, Lucrezia and Pia de Tolomei, who are the focus of the choreographic work in “THE DIVINA’S”.
These figures are symbols of gender-based violence, recalling current issues: woman consent to sexual misconduct, belief that violence can be caused by physical characteristics or by woman behaviors, guilt and shame of the victim, and partner right of ownership on woman life.
These aspects are discussed in “THE DIVINA’S”, a work which brings on stage ancient stories of abuse on the women body, using a true contemporary language. In this context, the gestures originate by bodies forced in cramped spaces, or covered and hidden, but still fragile. On stage, an altered and imposed movement contrasts with the vital energy of free women, vivid and pulsing figures dominated by death omens.
Choreography Martina Agricoli
Concept Rosanna Cieri
Dancers Martina Agricoli, Paloma Biagioli, Ilaria Fratantuono, Roberta Morello, Mattia Solano
Music Various authors
Directed by Rosanna and Simona Cieri
