Cloé [F] Projects

Dining [Uns]-Table by Cloé Fournier is a new solo work exploring dark relationships through an intimate and sometimes confronting, ambient world. Exploring deep themes of failed familial bonds and associated psychological and emotional effects, Dining [Uns]-Table uses charismatic movement, dark humour and striking media art. By distorting the personal with the universal, Dining [Uns]-Table draws you into a not-to-be missed experience of dance-theatre.

Director's notes:

Exploring the theme of Family, focusing on its relationships, came from a personal experience and a wish to reflect upon the reasons behind the sacredness of this social institution. With Dining [Uns]-Table, I was curious about the dynamics of family relationships and how these could be translated through text and movement. Early in the process, I became aware of the importance of the audience and how I could rely on the spectators to serve the narrative. The use of improvisation was unavoidable given the nature of the work. However, while certain aspects are improvised, the structure of the work has been rigorously composed to enable me, as a performer, to shift tones and present many aspects of what a family relationship can be. The movement components oscillate between high precision and meticulous choreography versus explosive expressions of the body, always maintaining a sense of playfulness, tension and fragility.

Family is supposed to teach us about caring and respecting others, but above all, it is meant to teach us about Love. It should be a safe place, not an environment prone to letting us doubt of our own worthiness. In that sense, Dining [Uns]-Table aims at opening a dialogue on the overlooked aspects of family relationships. It questions the repercussions of family conflict, absence, ignorance or even silence, from our childhood following us right through our adult lives.

Families aren’t perfect and the relationships they lead to are unique, undeniably making us who we are.