WHAT DO YOU SEE, OR NOT

How often are we convinced that we fully understand what is happening around us, confident that we have grasped the essence of what we observe? From the simplest to the most complex situations, assuming is a human trait—it is part of who we are. Humans have an innate need to explain things, to find answers, and we do so instinctively and immediately.
Someone laughing suggests a state of well-being; someone crying suggests anguish. Dressing well implies financial wealth. Shouting suggests anger. Is this always true? These are some of the most basic concepts, almost bordering on clichés. Yet, if we apply the same principle to something deeper, something that demands more attention, are we sure we wouldn’t fall into the
same trap of assumptions—believing we understand when, in fact, we are far from the truth?
There are countless cases of differing truths, situations that might suggest something that is not.
The examples could be endless.
This leads us to another question: how important is the observer?
Considering this concept of the “presumption of understanding,” we can agree that, depending on the context and the observer, the resulting truth will undoubtedly be different. Yet, on a daily
basis, most of us, as ordinary human beings, continue to make the same mistake: we believe we have understood.
“What do you see, or not” aims to be a dance piece that offers the audience an opportunity to question what they are truly observing on stage. Movements, sounds, and sensations may not
be what they seem; they may reveal truths different from those initially and instinctively perceived.

Duration: Approximately 50 minutes

Choreography and dramaturgy: Michele Pastorini with Yellowbiz Art Collective
Performers: Valentin Chou, Michele Pastorini, María Matarranz de las Heras
Music: ReVibrant Trio (Golnar Mohajeri, Pedro Rosenthal Campuzano, and Osman Eyublu)
Costume Concept: María Matarranz de las Heras
Lighting Design: Kristian Baljarevski
Visual Content Director: Valentin Chou
Premier: 19.11.2024, HNK Ivan Pl. Zajc, Rijeka, Croatia