HORSE ME
Dance, visual art, and music are intertwined in a horse-centeredperformance. In an atmosphere of misunderstood eroticism, the power dynamicsbetween bodies riding and being ridden are subverted, redefining the boundariesof pleasure and submission.
Neighing, galloping,falls, sadistic bonds, torture, worship. The horse serves as a symbol of socialstatus, beauty, and freedom, as well as a model of taming and ‘assimilation’ byhumans. “Horse Me” is the result of a creative partnership betweenchoreographer SofiaMavragani and visual artist Janis Rafa. The sarcastic, political world of thechoreographer merges with the multidimensional and animalistic universe of thevisual artist.
Whips and snaffle bitsintertwine in a bizarre sensual arrangement. Buttocks and tails vibrate overarias and electropop tunes. Paradox texts speak of the jockey’s triumph, whilea list names the causes of death of twenty-three racehorses. Deft movementsrespond to violent commands implying the animal’s disobedience.
“Horse Me” exploreshuman fantasies, desires, and cravings to tame and dominate other bodies. Thework, by subverting gender stereotypes, hierarchies, and preconceived notions,raises concerns about the joys and pains that animals and human beings canshare. By paying tribute to the creatures who have offered their lives in theservice of humans, the performance finally appeals to the body’s right toremain unexplored, undefined, and untamed.
Co-creation: Sofia Mavragani, Janis Rafa
Choreography: Sofia Mavragani
Art Direction: Janis Rafa
Original Music: Thalia Ioannidou
Performance & Movement Material Creation:Maria Vourou, Konstantina Barkouli, Pagona Boulbasakou
Soprano: Lito Messini
Dramaturgy: Ioanna Valsamidou
Costumes: Chrys Christodoulou
Stage Design: Janis Rafa, Filanthi Bougatsou
Lighting Design: Thodoris Michopoulos
Assistant to the creators: Yorgos Kyvernitis
Special object construction: Manos Vordonarakis
Costume making: Eirini Androulidaki, OdysseasSampalis
Photos: Yorgos Kyvernitis andPinelopi Gerasimou for Onassis Stegi, ODD2025,
Production Assistant: Giorgos Kalantzis
Line Production: Fingersix/Athens
Produced by Onassis Stegi, part of Onassis Dance Days 2025
With the financial support of the HellenicMinistry of Culture
PREMIER:
3 April 2025 // Onassis Stegi // Onassis Dance Days 2025
Duration: 47 minutes