Teaser and video creation for NOTWITHSTANDING, by choreographer Blaca Arrieta
Premiere Teatro Barakaldo, 03.16.2024


In Blanca's words:

“NOTWITHSTANDING was born from the observation of a unique place: the ruins of the Ajuria and Urigoitia factory in Araia(Álava), one of the first modern steelworks in the Basque
 Country. This magnificent architectural structure preserves the visual force, mystery and evidence of a past. Here time stops for attentive observation and listening. Getting closer, 
we observe how it blends into its surroundings, remains standing and distinguishes itself from the natural landscape that surrounds it, while completing it.​​ 
The work focuses on the notion of permanence, reinventing a place that endures - remains standing - with as much fragility as determination. It offers a vision of the delicate balance 
between body and soul, and invites the public to make their own interpretation of the different imaginary and poetic states.

A beautiful reading of the text "Worstward Ho" by Samuel Becket in its original version (English) accompanies the work. The choreography interacts with the rhythm and musicality 
of the language of Beckett's text, giving shape to a complex dance, full of nuances. Light makes these visible, in the encounter with the body and all its surfaces. Participates in 
the creation of movement, transforming the perception of a landscape in continuous change.

The audiovisual work provides breadth and depth to the stage space, taking us beyond visible limits. It blurs its contours to immerse us in the intimacy that pulses in the Ajuria 
factory. The video, integrated into the time of the work, has a duration of 7 minutes. It reflects both the stillness and the movement that coexist in the captured image of bodies 
and elements of nature. It shows us its vibration, and a unique perspective of space.

The body, dialoguing, sensitive, isolated, receptive, extensive, tenacious, confused, restless, calm, expressive, is our language.

This project brings together a mixed team of collaborating artists made up of dancers and performers Laura Cobo and RobertJackson, actor Gabriel Ocina, light designer Borja 
Ruiz, visual artist Leire Llano and photographer Juan Félix Ruiz.”




Audiovisual creation - Remains of the Ajuria and Urigoitia factory

+info: https://www.blancaarrieta.com/notwithstanding














© LeireLlano. 2025.