Practicing Empathy is the title of a year-long research project initiated by the Yasmeen Godder Company, out of which three separate dance works will be developed. Each of the works will explore the notion of empathy through a variety of perspectives and approaches, attempting to look at what opens us up emotionally. What makes us identify and connect with others, as well as with ourselves? And how can we create new practices, rituals, songs and choreographies, which may open up our ability to take in complexities without fear and distrust?

The need to research this theme comes from Godder’s desire to use the medium of dance, both in the studio and in performance, as a means for enabling people to gather together in an environment that is able to accept, deal and expose loads that we carry, both personally and collectively. And in doing so, provide a radical proposal of shared time, managed by an alternative set of rules, actions and physical interactions that may challenge the social consensus.

Practicing Empathy #1 focuses on the relationship and connectivity of the performers as they delve into their inner emotional landscapes. Through voice and physicality, they create an environment where empathy can be explored in their way to support, encourage, and react to the depth and exposure of their own and other‘s needs and expressions.

Credits:

Creation, Choreography: Yasmeen Godder
Dramaturgy: Itzik Giuli, Monica Gillette
Dancers: Ortal Atsbaha, Or Ashkenazi, Carmel Ben-Asher, Ari Teperberg, Tamar Kisch, Nir Vidan
Scenography and Lighting: Omer Sheizaf
Sound Design: Tomer Damsky
Costumes Design: Hila Shapira
Photography: Tamar Lamm
Production: Omer Alsheich
Administration: Zohar Eshel-Acco

The event implemented in cooperation with: