Petrikor Danse / Bettina Szabo (UY/CA)

#GlobalePerspektiven

“Habitat” is a multidisciplinary solo inspired by the life cycle of hermit crabs. Hermit crabs don’t have a shell, they house themselves. As they grow, it becomes crowded and uncomfortable and they make their way to a new habitat. A metaphor for Bettina Szabo’s process of emigration from Uruguay to Canada. The choreographer and performer of this visually powerful production works across styles and genres. For “Habitat” she dives deep into the visual arts, creating surreal atmospheres with costume and movement. She slips into shell-like or crab-like entities – writhing, breathing, pulsing, erupting, rigid and violently rhythmic. The paper creature envelops the performer, on her way to a new home, to new partnerships – sometimes sociable, then again shy and sore.

In this production Bettina Szabo takes up the themes of decolonization, immigration and identities, constantly in search of protection and security. Perhaps to find her own roots, perhaps out of fear of losing them. “Habitat” combines dance, voice, light and live electronics. A paper sculpture made of 600 paper cones is controlled in real time by the performer. Like a spaceship that serves as a shell, a habitat for her.

Bettina Szabo, born in Uruguay, has been living in Montréal as a dancer and choreographer since 2007. She studied dance in Montevideo and Ga’aton (Israel) and was an ensemble member of the Ballet de Cámara de Montevideo and the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, among others.