Marina Abramović, an iconic figure in contemporary performance art, is set to unveil her most ambitious project yet, “Balkan Erotic Epic,” at Aviva Studios in Manchester this October. This new work promises to deepen her ongoing exploration of sexuality and ritual, framed within the context of her Balkan heritage. With a cast of 70 performers, including dancers, musicians, and singers, the production is structured across 13 scenes, each re-enacting ancient rituals that celebrate the erotic.

Abramović's interpretation of eroticism, she claims, serves as a counterpoint to contemporary attitudes that often conflate such themes with pornography. “In our culture today, we label anything erotic as pornography,” she noted, positioning her work as a reclamation of this vital aspect of human experience. The production will feature provocative scenes such as “Scaring the Gods," where village women bare themselves to the heavens in a historical rain-making ritual, and “Fertility Rite,” which showcases bodies entwined in an intense plea for fertility.

Throughout her career, Abramović has often used her own body to challenge societal norms and provoke strong reactions from audiences. Her past works, including her notorious installation “Imponderabilia,” involved strategic placements of nude bodies that forced viewers to confront their discomfort regarding nudity and sexuality. As she stated in an interview, the British, in particular, exhibit a “puritan sensibility” regarding such topics. This emphasis on confronting awkwardness and societal taboos reflects her broader artistic ethos.

The director of Factory International, John McGrath, expressed his excitement about hosting this premiere, highlighting the unprecedented scale and immersive nature of the performance. Audiences can expect to engage with the work dynamically, experiencing “pop-up encounters” featuring intimate performances and fervent dances. This innovative approach promises to make the performance an engaging exploration of eroticism not just as taboo, but as a fundamental spiritual force.

This performance draws from a rich tapestry of folklore and ancestral traditions across the Balkans, encompassing a diverse range of cultures, including Roma and Traveller communities. By weaving these elements together, Abramović seeks to redefine eroticism, positing it as a vital and life-affirming energy rather than something to shy away from. This historical context enriches the narrative of each scene, differentiating it from the often individualized portrayals of eroticism found in contemporary media.

Abramović is no stranger to examining the intersection of sexuality and agriculture; in earlier exhibitions, she has incorporated video installations that delved into Balkan fertility rites. These works have portrayed the body as a canvas of expression, where sexuality plays a crucial role in cultural rituals meant to ensure prosperity and connection to the earth.

After its premiere in Manchester, “Balkan Erotic Epic” is set to tour major cities including Barcelona, Berlin, New York, and Hong Kong, allowing global audiences the opportunity to engage with Abramović’s powerful reinterpretation of ancient practices. As she revisits her Slavic roots, the artist invites viewers to not just witness but actively participate in a cultural conversation about eroticism, spirituality, and the human experience itself.

With her unwavering commitment to exploring the boundaries of performance and audience interaction, Marina Abramović is poised to challenge perceptions yet again, encouraging a thoughtful reconsideration of what it means to embrace the erotic dimension of being human.

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Source: Noah Wire Services