Babel (the show) | d10project

Alessia Secli as the Death / Yvanhova Figueroa as "Francesca" /
actor Ivan Goris as Peter and Elliott Ortiz as a "Raven"

Babel: Movements of Contradictions

Created & Choreographed by:

Elliott Ortiz

Idea and Inspiration:
The myth of Babel and the divisive nature of multiple languages serve as the foundation for choreographer Elliott Ortiz in this piece. Inspired by the ancient ambition of Babel and the towering skyline of modern New York City, Babel: Movements of Contradiction is a thought-provoking and visually stunning dance-theatrical piece. Just as mankind once dared to reach the heavens, today’s elite strive for dominance through skyscrapers and corporate power. However, this piece transcends the Babel story itself, exploring the parallels between ancient myths and contemporary society.

What to Expect:
On stage, Babel unfolds through a series of dynamic and visually compelling scenes, each enriched with choreographies that explore into themes and topics mirroring the complexities of our real world. The narrative centers on Peter, a depressed professor, and his AI creation, Hermes, as dancers bring to life the fantasies and ghosts that haunt Peter’s mind. The piece symbolizes the diversity, misunderstandings, and ambitious pursuits that define modern society, weaving together a rich tapestry of narratives and rhythms.

The Experience:
The stage itself becomes a metaphorical reflection of our world, heightened by a versatile setup featuring three towering structures. The central tower is connected to a "bridge" with stairs, flanked by two large screens. Strategic headlines placed across the space symbolize the pervasive influence of media, while layered audio—combining news, social media notifications, and music—creates a captivating sensory experience. Elliott transforms dance into a theater of bodily presence, where physicality carries the narrative. This method allows the piece to be presented in both physical and dramatic terms.

Ivan Goris stars in the lead role of Peter, bringing complexity & shade to the character. Alessia Secli, a talented dancer, singer, and performer, takes on the crucial role of Death, embodying the delicate balance between life and its inevitable end. Yvanhova Figueroa and Manatsu Aminaga join the ensemble as dancers and performers, contributing to the rich physical and emotional landscape of the piece; special performance by Elliott Ortiz as "Hermes" (an avatar) & a Raven; and flamenco dancer: Xianix Barrera takes the role of "The Moon" in special appearance.

Creative Tech & Designers Team: