Burka unveiled!

Ishara Jayawardane

Artscope met the Burka Bondage choreographer Helena Waldmann. Burka Bondage is described as the passion and pain of two female dancers struggling for freedom from under the burka, total Islamic coverage and the restraints of Japanese bondage.

By the apparent antithesis of the two extremes of exposure and masking, Waldmann follows the binary logic of power and powerlessness, pain and pleasure through to its culmination in a West Eastern, yearning for freedom and self release.

How do you explain Burka Bondage?

It is a theatrical meditation about responsibility and interdependence. Interdependence of people, cultures of countries and because there are differences in languages in various cultures. People are mainly very different. And I try to put it on one point which is human body.

What do you look for in professional dancers?

I look for interesting performances to tell my audience about situations in the world, misunderstandings between people or get rid of cliches. Speak about things which are political, talk about issues which are sometimes uncomfortable to talk about because people don’t want to listen to it, but I like to show it so that is it.

What type of qualities should a choreographer have?

Be brave.

Why are you into choreography?

I think it is interesting to talk over bodies instead of talking with language and words. A body is able to express certain kind of problems.

It also talks a lot and it is interesting because you can talk to the whole world with the body. And you will be understood. With languages in different countries they would not understand but with the body you can talk to the whole world.

Do you have any goals?

Yes. I like to continue working in my field of choreography, and I always look from time to time and my next project will be on ‘luck’.

How do you find Sri Lanka?

Beautiful, wet and nice people.

How many shows have you done up to now?

Twenty including Burka Bondage.

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