WHITEOUT – a thought-provoking and life-affirming dance performance about loss
When you find yourself in an Arctic whiteout – a natural phenomenon where snow swirls around, and everything turns white – you may experience a sensation similar to grief: any sense of direction disappears.
WHITEOUT delves into the painful longing, unbearable thoughts, shame, and taboos surrounding suicide.
On the other side of a whiteout, which demands introspection and reflection, you find yourself re-anchored in the world – we reconnect and create bonds across divides.
The performance sheds an important light on a topic that we, as outsiders, must not shy away from. At the same time, it explores the life-affirming aspects that the bereaved often speak of: the ability to reflect on the value of relationships and communities, and, above all, the gratitude for having known someone.
In WHITEOUT, grief and longing are embodied, but so are hope, strength, and faith in the power and meaning of life.
The performance is created by Sarah Aviaja Hammeken, artistic director of Aviaja Dance Company, with music composed by Gerth Lyberth. On stage are Elias Khanamidi, Eydís Rose Vilmundardóttir, Márton Debreczenyi, and Amanda Rubio Sanchez, who also serves as assistant choreographer. Costumes are designed by Parnuuna Thornwood, and the scenography is developed in collaboration with lighting designer Brian Cord’homme. The dramaturgy is created in collaboration with Sirí Paulsen, who contributes with research and the collection of personal experiences.
