SNAPSHOTS

A SERIES OF FEMALE SOLOS PERFORMED BY WOMEN AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY CHRISTIAN AND FRANÇOIS BEN AÏM

This work creates a dialogue between intimate impulses and disruptive external forces. It unfolds like a fragmentary study of the things that constitute an identity, considered as matter in flux. Each solo is an opportunity to reveal a new form of energy that comes from beneath the surface, is unknown, and partly reserved. This study references the haiku, the poetry of instants. Through movement and action, the choreographers try to seize this immediate, fleeting emotion like a photographer captures a decisive

moment.

These short pieces, light forms for both stage and in situ performances, may be presented indoors or outdoors. The solos can exist independently and alone, or be grouped together in a configuration that adapts to each occasion and space. In time, this series of brief female portraits will form a mosaic, a kaleidoscope with multiple entry points and combinations.

The first solo, SNAPSHOTS #1 Anne-Flore de Rochambeau, is performed by Anne-Flore de Rochambeau, a choreographic artist who develops her work in Montreal.

Christian and François Ben Aïm studied dance, physical theatre and circus skills before setting out to develop their performing careers independently in Canada and France.

They began collaborating in 1997 when they co-created their first piece, and went on to form their own company, CFB 451, in 1999. To date they have choreographed some twenty pieces together.

Their first piece, A l’abri du regard des hommes, avant d’aller mourir ailleurs, represents a cornerstone in their production. It is a hybrid piece in which dancers and actors feed off each other’s raw physical energy. La Frontera and Ne vous fiez pas au titre, il peut encore changer followed in the same vein, showcasing a style of dance that blends subtle humour with elements of surprise. In 2004 and 2006 they worked on a diptych inspired by the work of playwright Bernard-Marie Koltès, Carcasses, un œil pour deux and En plein cœur. The set designs and original musical scores of both pieces resonate with the texts. 

Music has since played an increasingly significant role in their creations. Many of their choreographies are performed to original musical compositions (You're a bird, now!, Amor Fati Fati Amor, Louves, Résistance au droit, L'ogresse des archives et son chien, La forêt ébouriffée). In You're a bird, now! and L'ogresse des archives et son chien, the musicians and/or singer are part of the stage set and perform their music live.

The score for La légèreté des tempêtes (2014) was composed before the choreography was written, a first for the company. This allowed composer Jean-Baptiste Sabiani a great deal of creative freedom to interpret the theme of the piece. The music is played on stage by three cellists and a singer-percussionist.