Photo : © Dorothea Tuch
Throughout history, female gender identity has often been narrowly defined by the lack of the phallus. Julia B. Laperrière addresses this problematic idea from a queer feminist perspective using the strap-on dildo as transformative tool: how does it feel to have/wear a penis? How does it affect the way one moves? What power inherits the one who bears it? In collaboration with musician Pia Achternkamp, Falla offers an invitation to playfulness, an incursion in the in-between that puts forth a vision of female sexuality that is alternative ㅡ mutating perhaps ㅡ, liberated and unashamed.
Warning: This play addresses themes related to sexuality. Sexual objects are included in the set design and props.
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This show is presented with the support of the Goethe-Institut.
Video : © Claudia Chan Tak
Julia B. Laperrière is French-Canadian choreographer and performer based in Berlin, and working between Germany, Canada and France. As such, the mix of practices, languages and genres (both artistic and identity related) form an integral part of Julia’s practice. Laperrière has studied dance in Montreal and Mexico, and holds an MA in choreography from Master Exerce/ICI-CCN in Montpellier (France). Working from a queer feminist perspective, Julia is interested in a dance that is generous, lately looking at dangerous dances and possibilities for new intimacies. Julia’s latest works (Falla, Falla VR, Swivel Open and Dangereuses) are currently touring in Germany, France, Canada and Norway. Laperrière has also taught in various places, including the CCN d’Orléans, Tanzfabrik Berlin, Radialsystem and the University of Osnabrück. Since 2023, Julia is a board member of Zeitgenössischer Tanz Berlin e.V., where their volunteer work focuses on issues fundamental to the artistic milieu: precariousness as a condition of artistic work, political representation, reform of the subsidy system, accessibility, mediation, collaboration between institutions and the dissemination of dance.
Photo : © Phil Dera
Choreography and performance: Julia B. Laperrière
Sound and performance: Pia Achternkamp
Dramaturgy: Siegmar Zacharias
Production assistant: Micaela Kühn Jara
Lighting design: Nicola Dubois, Raquel Rosildete, Marek Lamprecht
Thanks to Simone Kessler, Becky, and Lister
Falla is a production by Julia B. Laperrière in co-production with Schwankhalle Bremen, with support from ICI-CCN Centre Chorégraphique National de Montpellier—directed by Christian Rizzo. The project is part of the cultural program associated with Canada’s appearance as Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair. We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Government of Canada.
