What if someone could gently peer deep into your soul and remove all the masks to reveal your true self? Luxembourg-based Z Art Company presents Negare, choreographed by Giovanni Zazzera. This piece is part of a triptych composed of three fragments: Credere, Negare, and (di)sperare. Each segment lasts between 25 to 45 minutes and can be performed individually or as a complete set. The works explore themes of human beliefs, self-perception, and the process of building identity.
Embodies the vulnerable yet necessary risk of being seen by others in one’s most raw and authentic form
Negare begins even before you see the stage. The choreographer, Giovanni Zazzera, greets the audience outside, introducing himself and engaging in a brief, pleasant conversation. He asks about our day and offers some insight into the show that is about to unfold. After a few minutes, we move into the room and take our seats. The dancer, Alexandre Lipaux, is already in position, sitting directly across from us. He smiles as we settle in, holding a carrot which he begins to eat bit by bit.
A grandiose opera begins to play, and the dancer continues eating the carrot as he starts to interpret the music. He gradually stuffs his shirt with pieces of fabric that surround him, making his size appear larger as he begins to dance. The performance is a mix of ballet and contemporary dance with elements of physical theatre. It starts off beautifully light-hearted, but soon the sound becomes dissonant, and with it, the character’s demeanour shifts. He hides as the layers of persona he had put on start to unravel.
Lipaux’s performance is powerful as he commands the stage. His dance showcases impeccable technique, conveying a range of emotions through both his face and body that will evoke a multitude of feelings as you watch him.
Negare, which is Italian for "denial," is a profound exploration of pretence and the desire to fit in, portraying a persona that becomes increasingly difficult to maintain over time. My favourite moment is when the dancer hides and tries to rediscover his identity. He approached me to offer a carrot and waited for me to imitate him by taking a bite. This moment served as a reminder of friendship and finding support in others. Negare embodies the vulnerable yet necessary risk of being seen by others in one’s most raw and authentic form.
