Monchichi

Running time: 55 min
Creation 2011
Wang Ramirez - Monchichi

Monchichi

Running time: 55 min
Creation 2011
A duo by Sébastien Ramirez and Honji Wang
Original music by Everydayz /+∞

The bedrock piece by duo Wang Ramirez creates a portrait of a new, urban, mobile and intercultural generation. Here, they choose their artistic language as freely as their life partner even if he/she speaks a foreign language… or several.

Dance is their language, but so are words. Sébastien, French with Spanish origins crosses choreographic paths with Honji, born in Frankfurt to Korean parents. Because in this open-minded world, everyone can be a cultural mix with blended origins. Honji brings suppleness and Asian musicality to her movement, and Sébastien brings his Mediterranean vivacity.

Together, they tackle Monchichi as they construct their life together – in perfect balance between masculine and feminine. Their dance puts its virtuosity at the service of a quest for truth where nothing is left to conceal doubt or the difficulties in communicating, let alone the joys of togetherness.

In the end, Monchichi is a piece full of humor and self-deprecation, a joint self-portrait that testifies daily life with as much humor as poetry.

“The language that bridges their differences, though, isn’t some blend of ballet and breaking. It’s an outgrowth of hip-hop.”
The New York Times

“It’s quite simply Tanztheater at its best, “living poetry”, with thoughtful images and humorous skits. The debate on immigration and cultural diversity needs exactly this type of contribution to remove the tension.”
Tanz

“A brilliant duo where humor surprises us in the midst of movement.”
L’Indépendant

Wang Ramirez - 1 Grant Halverson © ADF
Wang Ramirez - 2 Grant Halverson © ADF
Wang Ramirez - 3 Grant Halverson © ADF
Wang Ramirez - 4 © Morah Geist, courtesy of Jacob’s Pillow Dance
Wang Ramirez - 5 © Morah Geist, courtesy of Jacob's Pillow Dance
Wang Ramirez - 6 © Morah Geist, courtesy of Jacob's Pillow Dance
Wang Ramirez - 7 © Christopher Duggan, courtesy of Jacob's Pillow Dance
Wang Ramirez - 8 © Matea Ilieva
Wang Ramirez - 9 © Matea Ilieva

Artistic direction, conception, choreography, dance: Honji Wang & Sébastien Ramirez
Dramaturgy: Vincent Rafis
Composition: Ilia Koutchoukov aka Everydayz /+∞
Light design: Cyril Mulon
Set design: Ida Ravn
Costumes: Honji Wang
Arrangement: Fabien Biron
Additional music: Carlos Gardel, Alva Noto, Nick Cave & Warren Ellis
Creation producer in 2011: Dirk Korell
Executive production: Company Wang Ramirez, Clash66

Co-production

Act'art – Conseil général de Seine-et-Marne
Théâtre + Cinéma Scène nationale Grand Narbonne
Initiatives d'Artistes en Danses Urbaines (Fondation de France – Parc de la Villette with the support of Caisse des Dépôts and Acsé)
Tanzhaus NRW Düsseldorf
Communauté de Communes de la Région Lézignanaise

Support

Regional council Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée
Regional Cultural Affairs Directorate Occitanie
Hebbel am Ufer – HAU, Berlin
Hauptstadtkulturfonds – Senat Berlin
Casa Musicale Perpignan
Association Départementale de Développement de la Musique et de la Danse de l'Aude
Réseau en Scène Languedoc-Roussillon

Thanks to

Dansens Hus Stockholm