Zero Visibility Corp.: «I Have a Secret to Tell You ...»

Ina Christel Johannessen’s new ballet “I Have a Secret to Tell You (Please) Leave With Me” turns the world upside down, not once but several times during its duration; a full 90 minutes without intermission. The first thing that catches my attention is the emptiness; the white paper screen surrounding the stage on two sides in combination with a white floor eliminates all possible disturbances and reminds me of the saying: what is important is what is not.

The white emptiness corresponds with the movement language created by Johannessen, especially in the opening solo performed by Line Tørmoen. Encircling the stage with movements as direct and opaque as thoughts, sometimes softly flowing then suddenly rigid – sharpness contrasted with softness, hesitance with fluidity – she resembles a creature of the air or sea.

Gradually three men – Dimitri Jourde, Vebjörn Sundby and Sittibancha Bamphen – emerge quietly, watching the female before entering the stage with strong, agile movements and a mix of acrobatics and dance which makes full use of their bodies while remaining as light, almost weightless, and elegant as the female.

At this point I am as puzzled as impressed at the metamorphosis ...