About 'GONG'

​

For their cooperation internationally recognized composer Iwan Gunawan and choreographer Aafke de Jong explore the idea of "gong" - not so much as an instrument, but more as a concept, so to speak. 

In some Indonesian cultures gongs are considered sacred instruments with a specific power. They produce a magical primary sound and represent a quest for infinity. 

​

In 'GONG' Aafke and Iwan become intrigued by this theme and use it as a basis for mutual cohesion between dancers and musicians. How can a sense of infinity be felt in our bodies, between the dancers and musicians, performers and audience and maybe even among the spectators? ​

​

Aafke - fascinated all her life by the work of graphic artist M.C. Escher and Gunawan's gamelan ensemble Kyai Fatahillah want to give the audience an intense, hypnotic feeling, where time and place do not matter. Processes in society, in history, even in our daily lives, often seem to repeat themselves as patterns . Like a perpetual motion machine, a meaningful event, once set in motion, can maintain its effect for a lifetime. Think of the consequences of an earthquake, but also on a personal level, the impact of, for example, war trauma or abuse can be felt in future generations. We tend to live as if we will never die. But like a sudden blow on a gong, life can change in the blink of an eye.​ ​

GONG' is a continuation of the research done during their Artist Residency in Villa Waldberta-München in 2017.