Bound to be free

Waldmann is one of the renowned experimental choreographers in Germany. Choreographing for two decades,she has infused her training in theatre with her love for dance. “While I was studying applied theatre,I learnt how to change theatre. It’s about going forward,not backwards,and that’s what I am attempting,” Waldmann smiles,“I can’t classify my own genre. My style is an amalgamation of various dance forms I have learnt while travelling across the world.”

Burka Bondage,too,is a result of this nomadic life she has lived. “I was in Osaka and Tokyo in 2009 when I met many from the theatre circle who shared their views on the bondage ritual,” says the 48-year-old. Similarly,while delivering lectures on her works in Kabul,Waldmann stumbled upon their theatre culture which touched her heart. “The views of the local people inspired the Burka Bondage concept,” she adds. Along with the two dancers,Waldmann has merged live music by Iranian musician Mohammad Mortazavi and video animation artiste Acci Baba. Draped in white and attached to a huge kite,the two aerial dancers raise questions on freedom,pain and womanhood. The piece is heavy on symbolism — the kite represents the Kabul skyline and inter-dependence,the drapes represent the shackles the women are caught in; a man wearing a mask represents withdrawal. “The Western interpretation of the burqa and bondage is very narrow as they are seen as prison. But I think that under a burqa,a woman can withdraw herself from the society and step away. She can get a sense of freedom even under a burqa and in bondage,” she explains. Waldmann is thrilled by the response she has received in Bangalore and Mumbai so far. “My dance is very plain yet full of emotions. It does not have the colours that the Indian dances have. The dancers use no make-up and it’s dance in its purest form,” she says.

Waldmann’s performance is at Abhimanch,National School of Drama.

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