Practicing Empathy #1 | Practicing Empathy #2by2
Practicing Empathy is a performative research carried out since 2019 as a direct expansion of Godder’s Common Emotion and Simple Action. The show continues to challenge the spectators-performers relationship, establishing the possibility of a “safe space” for emotional interactions, asking what makes us open up, empathize, connect with the other – and with ourselves?
The company presents two thoughtful practices for creating interpersonal encounters, developed through the research. In the first part of the evening, the audience is invited to dive into a collaborative experience in search for a space for intimacy, familiarity, vulnerability, and human tenderness. In its second part, through a series of vocal and physical actions, the performers expose their emotional landscapes, creating an environment where empathy serves as a supportive and encouraging group reaction.
Yasmeen Godder was born in Jerusalem and raised in New York City. Since 1999, she has been based in Israel and artistically directs her company. The Yasmeen Godder Company has been presented extensively in Israel and internationally in varying contexts: Lincoln Center Festival, HAU in Berlin, tanzhaus NRW, Montpellier Dance Festival, B-motion Festival in Bassano, Kunstenfestdesarts in Brussels, Sydney Opera House among others. Yasmeen is the recipient of numerous awards, including a Bessie Award, NY in 2001, The Israeli Ministry of Cultural Affairs prizes for choreographer and company, the Tel-Aviv Municipality's Rosenblum Prize, the Lottery's "Landau Prize'' and others. Since 2015 Godder has been heading the “Moving Communities'' project which includes weekly dance classes for people living with Parkinson’s disease, multi-generational performances and international conferences.
Creation, Choreography: Yasmeen Godder
Dramaturgy: Itzik Giuli, Monica Gillette
Dancers #1: Ortal Atsbaha, Or Ashkenazi, Carmel Ben-Asher, Ari Teperberg, Tamar Kisch, Nir Vidan
Dancers #2by2: Shuli Enosh, Yasmeen Godder
Sound Design #1: Tomer Damsky, Lior Pinsky
Sound Design #2by2: Lior Pinsky
Scenography and Lighting: Omer Sheizaf
Costumes Design #1: Hila Shapira
Costumes Design #2by2: Tamar Ben Cnaan
Production Manager: Omer Alsheich
Administrative Manager: Zohar Eshel-Acco