Andrea Peña & Artists captivated audiences at Édifice Wilder’s Espace rouge with BOGOTÁ, a groundbreaking contemporary dance work that plunges spectators into the vivid chaos and resilience of Colombia’s capital city.
After its celebrated debut at the 17th Venice Biennale in 2023, this ambitious production has confirmed Peña’s reputation as a visionary choreographer unafraid to challenge conventions and expand the boundaries of dance.
A Visceral Exploration of Contrasts
At its core, BOGOTÁ embodies the contradictions of its namesake city, merging the raw industrial energy of vast metal structures with the opulent visual language of Andean Baroque and European Renaissance. Peña weaves these contrasting influences into a rich tapestry of movement and visual art, exploring themes of death and resurrection through a post-industrial queer lens. The juxtaposition of chaos and sacred symbolism transforms the stage into a dynamic space where cultural histories collide and evolve.
The production’s meticulous costume design is a visual feast, channeling the extravagance of Baroque fashion while drawing upon Latin American mythology and indigenous practices.
The performers, adorned in these striking creations, blur the lines between masculinity and femininity, deconstructing traditional gender norms through their fluid, embodied storytelling.
A Collaboration of Creative Forces
The success of BOGOTÁ lies in the collaborative synergy among Peña and her team of 14 long-time contributors. Composer and 3D sound designer Debbie Doe crafts a hauntingly immersive score that envelops the audience in a multi-sensory experience, while rehearsal director Helen Simard and director Bobby Leon ensure every movement resonates with purpose.
Together, they guide nine fearless performers who deliver visceral, somatic interpretations that evokes vulnerability and raw emotion.
A Masterpiece of Dance Theatre
Co-produced by Danse Danse and l’Agora de la danse, BOGOTÁ straddles the realms of theatre and visual art, creating a genre-defying spectacle. Peña’s use of industrial aesthetics as a backdrop for deeply personal and societal explorations elevates the work into a universal dialogue about resilience, identity, and transformation. The interplay of movement, sound, and design captures the tension between destruction and renewal, inviting the audience to reflect on their own place within these themes.
Post-Show Talks: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
Following performances on December 11 and 13, audience members can participate in illuminating post-show discussions with the artists. These talks offers valuable insights into Peña’s creative process, her inspiration drawn from Bogotá’s complex cultural landscape, and the intricate collaborative efforts that brought the production to life.
Touring Beyond Montreal
Montreal audiences lucky enough to experience BOGOTÁ have witnessed a performance destined to leave a lasting impression in the world of contemporary dance. The production will continue its journey at Vancouver’s Push Festival in January 2025, promising to enthrall new audiences with its boundary-pushing artistry.
About Andrea Peña
A celebrated choreographer renowned for her vulnerability and conceptual rigor, Peña continues to redefine contemporary dance through her somatic research and unflinching exploration of societal dynamics. With a career spanning performances across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, she has established herself as a critical voice in the dance community, receiving numerous accolades, including the Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award and the Hong Kong International Choreography Award.
Final Thoughts
BOGOTÁ is a visceral journey through chaos, resilience, and transformation—a bold and unforgettable fusion of movement, identity, and cultural history. Andrea Peña & Artists have once again proven their ability to push artistic boundaries, delivering a performance that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally moving.
For those seeking a thought-provoking and visually arresting experience, BOGOTÁ is the perfect show to catch.
BOGOTÁ
DECEMBER 11. 12. 13. 14, 2024 / 7:00 PM
LENGTH : 1 H 20
Espace rouge, Édifice Wilder
Post-show talks with the artists
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Friday, December 13, 2024