Christoph Leuenberger: At &Proud in Myanmar

 

Christoph Leuenberger studied acting at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (USA) and dance and choreography at the School for New Dance Development (NL).  Based in Bern as a freelance choreographer and performer, Chris collaborates with different artists in various contexts and constellations, keeps developing his own work and performs for others.

During a month-long research trip in Yangon, Christoph Leuenberger aims to develop a transcultural exchange with local performance artist Kolatt and his installation piece “Apple II”. The format “Reclaiming the Erotic Body” focuses on the use of erotics in dance and performance while addressing questions of – gender and sexuality – erotics as a political voice – the exoticism of the foreign body – censorship and nudity onstage.

“Reclaiming the Erotic Body”proposes a translation of “Desire & Discipline”, Chris’ duet with American artist Matthew Rogers, based on the specific cultural, political and aesthetic sensibilities of the different non-European communities it encounters. In a monthlong research project that includes a workshop and culminates in a performance and a series of public interventions together with Myanmar artists during the &Proud Festival 2020, choreographers and dancers Chris Leuenberger and Matthew Rogers
wish to work on the idea of a queer memorial. How much visibility do queer bodies in Myanmar have? How can we use our body and voice to empower ourselves and to contribute to a more inclusive society?