Anabella Lenzu is bringing dance back from the dead.
The Argentine choreographer and folklore enthusiast combines both of these roles in her newest dance piece, “Pachamama: Mother World,” which will open at Williamsburg’s Center for Performance Research on Dec. 12. The work borrows elements from the male rituals of the Selk’nam, an indigenous people from Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. The Selk’nam met their demise in the 1970s, leaving only descendents of partial ancestry behind, and Lenzu believes she can help preserve some of their traditions through her art form.
“I believe that the study and practice of folkloric dance are essential to any dancer’s training,” she said. “Layers of stories can be preserved in a single gesture! The Selk’nam have neither musical instruments nor writing, instead electing to emphasize theater and dance in their culture. That is fascinating!”
This is not the first time Lenzu has combined academia and art for the stage.
“Dance and anthropology are inherently linked,” said Lenzu. “So far, I’ve dabbled in three folkloric traditions — Argentine, Italian and Spanish — which have lent a well-rounded perspective to my anthropological studies. Digging through a culture’s history and identity guides me as I strive toward the universality of gesture and movement.”
Selk’nam male initiation ceremonies, called “hain,” served as a passage to adulthood. In order to be acknowledged as true hunters — or “kloketen” — boys between the ages of 14 and 16 left their homes to undergo various tests. The biggest challenge was coming face to face with the spirit world. Little did they know, these shadowy figures were really their elders in disguise.
Contemporary hain ceremonies were more lighthearted. Males showed off their bravado in front of women by fighting “spirits,” while women typically filled the role of spectators. In “Pachamama,” Lenzu has put her own spin on this tradition by featuring lead females dancers.
“Earlier this May, more than 120 dancers auditioned. The cast is now reduced to three female dancers for the premiere,” said Lenzu. “I selected three strong females as my own statement about masochism and feminism.”
“Pachamama: Mother World” at Center for Performance Research [361 Manhattan Ave. near Jackson Street, (718) 349–1210, www.cprnyc.org]. Dec. 12–13 at 8 pm, $15.
