Voice of the blood

Detect Festival, 2023

Direction by Olivia Nava Igual
Choreography by Olivia Nava Igual and Marta Ferraris
Music composed by Matteo de Santis and Daniela Schott Correa
Performers: Nyranhdone Boun Xoun, Marta Ferraris, Tinka Legvart, Craig Mitchell, Caio Nagle, Olivia Nava Igual, Nadine Olk, Mattia Sappa
Costume design: Olivia Nava Igual, Nyranhdone (Tawan) Boun Xun, Mattia Sappa
Lighting: Luka Gyoha

Currently, videographers Augustine Hacques and Rafaëlle Girardin are editing a documentary following the process of creation and presentation of the work. More info

Photos Augustine Hacques, Raphaëlle Girardin

“Voice of Blood” is a dance and movement performance, a visual choreography, and a sonic journey. It delves into the relationship between the spirit and the body that contains it, while exploring the utopia of matriarchy. The performance is inspired by the multifaceted Hildegard von Bingen—a prominent mystic, scientist, and composer of the 12th century.

In the two monasteries she founded, nuns engaged in the collection of plants, the creation of remedies, and the practice of music through choral singing and, occasionally, theatrical opera performances. In her theological writings, Hildegard defended the idea that the status of Mary should equal that of Christ, advocating for a more balanced distribution of power across genders.

The musical score was composed by Matteo de Santis in collaboration with singer Daniela Schott Correa. Matteo sampled Daniela’s voice and layered it, modulating the sound into varying levels of abstraction. Some parts preserve its raw, visceral essence, while others render the human source almost unrecognizable.

The performance was created in collaboration with Hütte collective and premiered at the 2023 Detect Festival, an event that blends classical and electronic music.