Contemporary Performance ‘Music Hole’ Explores the Haunting Power of Memory
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Marseille, France – A new choreographic work titled ‘Music Hole,’ conceived and directed by Steven Michel, is captivating audiences with its exploration of memory, time, and the intangible realm of ”ghost energies.” The performance, set to debut on October 7, 2025, at actotal in Marseille, delves into the concept of “hauntology,” a philosophical idea positing that the past continues to influence the present.
the Concept of Hauntology and ‘Music Hole’
Michel’s work draws inspiration from the theories of Jacques Derrida, who coined the term “hauntology” as a fusion of ontology-the study of being-and haunting [1]. ‘Music Hole’ seeks to embody this idea, presenting a stage as an “echo room” where the traces of the past resonate within the present. The performance isn’t simply about ghosts in the traditional sense, but rather about the persistent influence of what has been lost or never realized.
the choreography, described as a “sensory and subliminal journey,” utilizes light, sound, and movement to create an immersive experience. Performers Erwan And the Larcher, inga huld Hakonard, Marina, and Nathan Ooms become vessels for these “ghost energies,” their bodies responding to gestures, sounds, and images that evoke buried echoes.
Did You Know?
Synesthesia, the blending of senses, has been a long-standing area of formal research for choreographer Steven Michel, influencing the multi-sensory approach of ‘Music Hole.’
Key Creative Team and Production Details
Raphaëlle Latini composed the soundscape for ‘Music Hole,’ while Lynda money contributed the dramaturgy. Max Adams designed the lighting, with Floris XHenseval serving as the light stage creator. Miguel Peñaranda Olmeda – Olmedam crafted the costumes, and Valérie Joly provided vocal coaching. Jo Heijens served as the sound engineer, with Valentijn Weyn assisting in stage management.
The production is a collaborative effort, led by GROP (Hanne Domes, Anneleen Hermans, Rudi Meulemans, Lize Meynaarts, Coaltoms, Jennifer pisecki, Svanberg, and Nele Verykens). International broadcast is handled by A Propic, with Line Rousseau and Marion Gauvent at the helm.
Collaborations and Support
‘Music Hole’ is a coproduction involving Charleroi Dance-center choreographic of Wallonia-Brussels, The Comedy of Clermont-Ferrand, here-CCN Montpellier-Occitanie, Espace Pasolini / Next Festival, Stuk, and Perpodium. The work benefited from residencies at Espace pasolini Valenciennes Artistic Laboratory, The Comedy of Clermont-Ferrand, Stuk, here-CCN Montpellier-Occitanie, Charleroi Danse-Center choreographic de Wallonie-Brussels, Campo, and Kunstencentrum nona.
Financial support was provided by the Flemish government and the Belgian federal government’s shelter tax via Cronos Invest.
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Concept & Choreography | Steven Michel |
| Sound Composition | Raphaëlle Latini |
| Dramaturgy | Lynda money |
| Light Creator | max Adams |
The performance aims to explore how we embody fragmented time and whether we can embrace what resists disappearance.
Pro Tip:
Consider the interplay of light and sound as key elements in understanding the thematic depth of ‘Music Hole.’
What role does memory play in shaping our present experiences? And how can artistic expression help us confront the lingering presence of the past?
The Enduring Appeal of Hauntology in Contemporary Art
the concept of hauntology, initially a philosophical exploration, has found resonance across various artistic disciplines, including music, film, and visual arts. Its appeal lies in its ability to articulate a sense of cultural and past weight, a feeling that the past is not simply gone but continues to exert a powerful influence on the present. Artists are increasingly drawn to exploring themes of nostalgia, memory, and the uncanny, reflecting a broader societal preoccupation with the complexities of time and identity.
Frequently Asked Questions about ’Music Hole’
- What is ‘Music Hole’ about? ‘Music Hole’ is a choreographic performance exploring themes of memory,time,and the influence of the past on the present,inspired by the philosophical concept of hauntology.
- Who choreographed ‘Music Hole’? Steven Michel is the concept creator and choreographer of ‘Music Hole.’
- Where will ‘Music Hole’ be performed? The premiere performance is scheduled for October 7, 2025, at actotal in Marseille, France.
- What is hauntology? Hauntology, coined by jacques Derrida, is a concept that combines ontology (the study of being) with haunting, suggesting that the past continues to influence the present.
- Who are the performers in ‘Music Hole’? The performance features Erwan And the Larcher, Inga Huld Hakonard, Marina, and Nathan Ooms.
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