THE CLOUD

Arkadi Zaides

+ More info

Live performance

1h05
maison Folie Wazemmes, Lille
Pass Latitudes

How are the toxic cloud of radiation from Chernobyl and the cloud of data from the digital age linked? Using biographical and fictional elements, a multi-technological installation and genetically altered movements, Arkadi Zaides offers us a uniquely intensive performance of The Cloud.

After Talos and Necropolis, two documentary pieces which examine the deadly political management of certain borders, Arkadi Zaides returns to Latitudes Contemporaines with The Cloud, his most recent work, in the form of auto-fiction. Here, the choreographer creates a connection between two clouds: the data cloud which grows ever larger with the advent of AI – and the radioactive cloud emanating from Chernobyl, which crossed into Europe after the explosion at the nuclear plant in 1986. The catastrophe changed his life; he was born in Gomel, only 140 km from Chernobyl, and grew up in the invisible shadow of its widespread, deadly radiation. The Cloud blends the story of his childhood with that of the “liquidators” who were hired to clean up Chernobyl after the disaster, who were exposed to fatal levels of radiation. Onstage, Arkadi Zaides’ words are distorted and reshaped by AI, and are intercut with archival documents, videos and other installation sounds. The dance is performed by Misha Demoustiers, who enters wearing a gas mask and protective gear, using movements which are inspired by radioactive distortion and pain. The work is of a rare density, where the choreographer faces off against his deepest, darkest fears, and invites us to follow him all the way.

→ The representation on June 20th will be followed by a “coeurs critiques” debate led by Les Démêlées.

Accessibility infos :

Text in English with French surtitles
Use of strobe lights

Avec le soutien des Lieux Culturels Pluridisciplinaires de la Ville de Lille

Biography(s)

Arkadi Zaides (b. 1979, Homel, Belarus, former USSR) works as a choreographer, performer and researcher. He earned a master’s degree from the AHK Academy of Theater and Dance in Amsterdam. Since 2021 he is a doctoral researcher in the Arts at the Antwerp University, Royal Conservatoire Antwerp, Ghent University and KASK/School of Arts (HoGent). He is a member of CORPoREAL research group at the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp and a member of S:PAM (Studies in Performing Arts), a research unit at the Ghent University. From 2024-2027 Zaides is associated artist with the Montpellier Danse Festival.
The choreographic work of Arkadi Zaides is characterized by an initiative to trigger critical debate, focusing on the embodiment of social and political narratives.

Credits

Choreography and direction : Arkadi Zaides
Dramaturgy : Igor Dobricic
Performers : Arkadi Zaides, Misha Demoustier, Axel Chemla–Romeu-Santos
AI development and sound : Axel Chemla–Romeu-Santos
Cinematography : Artur Castro Freire
Light : Jan Mergaert
Technical direction : Etienne Exbrayat
Executive producer : laGeste (BE)
Administration and production : Simge Gücük / Institut des Croisements
Co-produced by Montpellier Danse (FR), Maison de la Danse, Lyon – Pôle européen de création (FR), Charleroi Danse (BE), Mousonturm, Francfort-sur-le-Main (DE)
Residency support : Teatro Biblioteca Quarticciolo, Rome (IT), PACT Zollverein, Essen (DE), CAMPO, Gand (BE), Dialoghi / Villa Manin, CSS Teatro stabile di innovazione del Friuli Venezia Giulia, Codroipo/Udine (IT)
Initial research conducted within the framework of SoundImageCulture (SIC) supported by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and VAF – Vlaams Audiovisueel Fund
A residency program as part of A.R.T. research program at La Comédie de Valence, CDN (FR)
With the support of TMU New York (USA), The Ministry of Culture of France / Directorate General for Artistic Creation (FR).