Freespace Dance 2023: Rykena/Jüngst – She Legend

EVENT DESCRIPTION

An eclectic, whirling choreographic translation of the queer potential of the comic superhero universe

Freespace Dance 2023 – a showcase of the work of contemporary women choreographers – opens with the Asian premiere of Hamburg duo Lisa Rykena and Carolin Jüngst’s She Legend, a work exploring the queer-feminist potential of the hyper-masculine superhero universe.

Inspired by the powerful imagery and bizarre forms of expression of comic books, the eclectic, whirling piece presents the pair as cyborg-like shape-shifters. Strolling through imaginary landscapes to apocalyptic sound effects, the non-conformist figures re-imagine heroic tales, invent superpowers and transform grotesque cartoon characters into physical choreographic translations on stage.

Rykena and Jüngst create characters that defy the stereotypes and clichés of heteronormative attributions. Their work has been regularly presented at Kampnagel, Hamburg, and HochX, Munich, and invited to national and international festivals. She Legendwas also staged at the Tanzplattform 2022, Berlin.

To enhance accessibility and audience experience, She Legend is accompanied by the following sessions and facilities (offered on a first-come, first served basis):

Dance workshop on choreographic storytelling, 12 April (7:30pm–9:30pm). Professional dance artists and dance students are welcome to enrol.

Sharing session on audio description in dance, 15 April (3:00pm–4:00pm). Free and open to all. Registration required.

Pre-show participatory physical introduction session (in Cantonese), 15 April (7:00pm–7:30pm) introducing related choreographic concepts and movements. Free session, open to ticket holders only. Register here.

Pre-show touch tours (conducted in English, with Cantonese audio description) before the start of each performance (6:15pm–6:45pm). Free, open to ticket holders only. Ticket holders with visual impairments (and companion) may call 2777 1771 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am–6:30pm) for registration. For other ticket holders, please register here.