HORSE ME

Neighing, galloping, falls, sadistic bonds, torture, worship. The horse serves as a symbol of social status, beauty, and freedom, as well as a model of taming and ‘assimilation’ by humans. “Horse Me” is the result of a creative partnership between choreographer Sofia Mavragani and visual artist Janis Rafa. The sarcastic, political world of the choreographer merges with the multidimensional and animalistic universe of the visual artist.

Whips and snaffle bits intertwine in a bizarre sensual arrangement. Buttocks and tails vibrate over arias and electropop tunes. Paradox texts speak of the jockey’s triumph, while a list names the causes of death of twenty-three racehorses. Deft movements respond to violent commands implying the animal’s disobedience.

“Horse Me” explores human fantasies, desires, and cravings to tame and dominate other bodies. The work, by subverting gender stereotypes, hierarchies, and preconceived notions, raises concerns about the joys and pains that animals and human beings can share. By paying tribute to the creatures who have offered their lives in the service of humans, the performance finally appeals to the body’s right to remain unexplored, undefined, and untamed.

• Concept & Co-creation

  Sofia Mavragani, Janis Rafa

• Choreography

  Sofia Mavragani

• Art Direction

  Janis Rafa

• Original Music

  Thalia Ioannidou

• Performance & Movement Material Creation

  Maria Vourou, Konstantina Barkouli, Pagona Boulbasakou

• Soprano

  Lito Messini

• Assistant to the creators

  Yorgos Kyvernitis

• Dramaturgy

  Ioanna Valsamidou

• Costumes

  Chrysanthos Christodoulou

• Stage Design

  Janis Rafa, Filanthi Bougatsou

• Lighting Design

  Thodoris Michopoulos

• Special object construction

  Manos Vordonarakis

• Costume making

  Eirini Androulidaki, Odysseas Sampalis

• Production Assistant

  Giorgos Kalantzis

• Line Production

  Fingersix/athens

• With the financial support of the

  Hellenic Ministry of Culture