Harleking is a demon with multiple identities.
His body expression resembles that of Harlequin of the Commedia dell’Arte, a sly servant moved by an insatiable hunger. HARLEKING’s mode of communication has a specific hypnotic quality in which its contents, often extreme and contradictory, merge to create a fluid, metamorphic system wherein anything can happen, yet all is blurred. It is reminiscent of the Grotesques, ancient wall decorations, in which monstrous figures emerge and blend in with elegant ornamental volutes. Figures, which, although can evoke amusement, do not elicit any joy.
Panzetti and Ticconi have been working together for over a decade, and it shows in their meticulous fluidity. Seen side by side, the kaleidoscopic shapes they spin out of simple arm gestures in one scene are a wonder of symmetry. Their characters’ allegiance remains ambivalent: to applause in Demetrio Castellucci’s soundtrack, they go from a Nazi salute to a clenched fist, a symbol of solidarity. That’s the risk of entertaining the highest bidder, and Harleking never forgets it.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Laura Cappelle, Springback Academy, 2019
The success of this performance based on a « petit rien » – a sketch of the past, in the style of today’s cast – is due not only to the quality of the performer’s movement but to their sense of rhythm as well. Far from being tiring, the repetition of gestures astonishes, amuses, excites our curiosity.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Nicolas Villodre, DANSER canal historique, 2018
Inspired by the most famous Zanni of the Commedia Dell’Arte, Harlequin, and by an iconographic background that goes back to the ancient wall decoration of the Grottesca, the duo composes a satirical-monstrous duet, of rare organicity, perfect times, masterfully interpreted.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Maria Luisa Buzzi, DANZA&DANZA, 2018
concept, creation: Ginevra Panzetti, Enrico Ticconi
sound design: Demetrio Castellucci
light design: Annegret Schalke
technical direction: Paolo Tizianel
costume: Ginevra Panzetti, Enrico Ticconi
tour manager: Aurélie Martin
video documentation: Ettore Spezza
with the support of: VAN / Tanzfabrik / PACT Zollverein / NAOcrea – Ariella Vidach AiEP, Mediolan / KommTanz – Compagnia Abbondanza / L’arboreto – Teatro Dimora / AtelierSì / C.L.A.P.Spettacolodalvivo
other supports: Cronopios – Teatro Petrella / Vera Stasi – Progetti per la Scena / Network Anticorpi XL
duration: 40 min