Caster*

* Frenchifying of the verb "to cast", adopted by the French audiovisual and artistic world, re-interpreted here to describe this choreographic piece.

The position of choreographer determines and organises a hierarchic system. The position implies an authoritative relationship based on observation. The discipline of dance creates this dynamic by investing the person who observes with absolute, directive power. The status of choreographer requires that we provide a constant evaluation of the physical skills, the morphological qualities and the psychological functioning of people.

Statement:

The title Caster is announced in the programme and on the entrance door to the space being used for the piece, the announcement bears the name and status of the choreographers as well as their location in Paris. Beforehand the participants must have signed up by giving their name, they must be older than twelve and be able to speak English. No particular aptitude or preparation is required.
Before going into the space, they must accept to leave only if the
choreographers ask them to. Once inside the choreographers speak to them, without stopping they must form groups or adopt precise postures. The choreographers neither explain not justify their intentions or decisions. The participants must leave when the choreographers decide, which also applies to new participants entering. The piece may last several hours.

Photo1: February 17th 2012, Ailing Foundation - Space18, Shanghai
Photo: Xu Zhe
Courtesy: Taking the Stage OVER/ les gens d'Uterpan

November 12th 2011, Carpe Diem Arte e Pesquisa, Lisbon
Photo: Fernando Piçarra
Courtesy: Carpe Diem Arte e Pesquisa

July 13th 2011, Galeria Vermelho, Sao Paulo
Photo: Rafael Cañas
Courtesy: Verbo Festival-Galeria Vermelho

June 25th 2011, Institute of Contemporary Arts London
Photo: Tom Medwell
Courtesy: ICA London

January 22nd 2010, Kunsthalle Basel
Photo: Annette Fischer / Christoph Kern
Courtesy: Kunsthalle Basel

October 12th 2009, Project Arts Centre, Dulin
Photo: Senija Topcic
Courtesy: Project Arts Centre Dublin

Activations:

February 17th 2012, Ailing Foundation - Space18, Shanghai, China
Taking the Stage OVER, curator Biljana Ciric
Specific partners: Taking the Stage OVER, Ailing Foundation, Bund 18, Consulate General of France in Shanghai, Institut Francais de Chine, Rockbund Art Museum

November 12th 2011, Carpe Diem Arte e Pesquisa, Lisbon, Portugal
Temps d'Images Festival
Specific partners: Carpe Diem Arte e Pesquisa/ Temps d’Images Festival / Institut Français

July 13th 2011, Galeria Vermelho, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Verbo Festival
Specific partners: Verbo Festival - Galeria Vermelho / Institut Français / French Consulate in Sao Paulo

June 25th 2011, Institute of Contemporary Arts London, United Kingdom
In response to the exhibition Pablo Bronstein: Sketches for Regency Living
Specific partners: Institute of Contemporary Arts London / French Institute in the UK

January 22nd 2010, Kunsthalle Basel, Switzerland
Museumnacht 2010
Specific partners: Kunsthalle Basel, Switzerland / Culturesfrance