Based on the motif of an embrace, Matilda Bilberg and Jenna Hendry inquire how far apart intimacy and being private lie. Driven by a desire for closeness and connection, they carry and let themselves be carried through a journey of various sensations by attentively listening to the other‘s body and by exploring the boundary between “you” and “me”. This search for a tender equilibrium creates a fascinating intensity. In close proximity to the audience, Matilda and Jenna take up contact with the spectators through an intimate gaze – offering them the opportunity to become aware of their own senses. In these current times of physical distancing, I U M I perfectly addresses the public’s need and desire for closeness and intimacy.
“…Intimacy requires courage because the risk is inescapable. We cannot know at the outset how the relationship will affect us. Like a chemical mixture, if one of us is changed, both of us will be. Will we gro in self-actualization, or will it destroy us? The one thing we can be certain of is that if we let ourselves fully into the relationship for good or evil, we will not come out unaffected.”
– Rollo May (The Courage to Create)
Concept / Dance Jenna Hendry & Matilda Bilberg
Dramaturgical advice Sabine Haß-Zimmermann
Music Alex Zampini
Lightdesign Maria Ros
Costume Karen Petermann
Photo Jonas Bilberg
Film Peter Kadar
Graphic design Cadgas Cakmaktas
Coproduction Fabriktheater Rote Fabrik Zürich
With the support of Stadt Zürich Kultur, Fachstelle Kultur Kanton Zürich, Ernst Göhner Stiftung, Swedish Arts Grants Committee
Residency partners Tanztendenz München, Rum för Dans / Teater Halland, Tanzhaus Zürich
Thanks to David Zambrano, Emeric Rabot
Upcoming performances
07.09.2021 Zurich Tanz, Tanzhaus (CH)
Past performances
Première 15.11.2019 Fabrik Theater, Rote Fabrik (CH)
16. 21. 22. 23.11.2020 Fabrik Theater, Rote Fabrik (CH)
30.11.2019 Haberhaus Schaffhausen (CH)
12.19.2019 Warszawa Dance Days (PL)
“…Intimacy requires courage because the risk is inescapable. We cannot know at the outset how the relationship will affect us. Like a chemical mixture, if one of us is changed, both of us will be.
Will we gro in self-actualization, or will it destroy us? The one thing we can be certain of is that if we let ourselves fully into the relationship for good or evil, we will not come out unaffected.”
– Rollo May (The Courage to Create)