COSSACHKA is an ambient, sound-choreographic performance exploring the collective experience of femininity and female resilience. Created by an independent collective of dancers, musicians (
) and visual artists from Ukraine, the work combines contemporary dance, singing and live electronic music on stage.
The production was created in the face of war. At that time, many women voluntarily took up arms or devoted themselves to activism. The artists and creators question traditional narratives, presenting a non-heroic but rather universal perspective of resilience in the face of catastrophe. They offer a female perspective on war and crisis, while attempting to preserve identity in the face of colonialism.
The title COSSACHKA refers to the legend of female warriors—Amazons—who roamed the lands of modern-day Ukraine, emphasizing their appearance with braids ("cosy/kosy" in Ukrainian).
*During the performance, we provide childcare for children aged 3-11. Details in the news tab > childcare.
) and visual artists from Ukraine, the work combines contemporary dance, singing and live electronic music on stage.
The production was created in the face of war. At that time, many women voluntarily took up arms or devoted themselves to activism. The artists and creators question traditional narratives, presenting a non-heroic but rather universal perspective of resilience in the face of catastrophe. They offer a female perspective on war and crisis, while attempting to preserve identity in the face of colonialism.
The title COSSACHKA refers to the legend of female warriors—Amazons—who roamed the lands of modern-day Ukraine, emphasizing their appearance with braids ("cosy/kosy" in Ukrainian).
*During the performance, we provide childcare for children aged 3-11. Details in the news tab > childcare.
Duration: 50 minutes
Some scenes contain loud electronic music.
Childcare available
COMPANY
Director: Julia Łopata
Choreography: Gala Pekha
Composer: Olena Shykina
Music performer: Nuri Ashurova
Singer and performer: Solomiya Kyrylova
Dancers: Dana Sarman, Viktoria Demidova, Anna Kulczycka, Ilona Kovalova, Kateryna Kasianenko
Costume designer: Asya Sutiagina
Lighting design: Paweł Urbanowicz
Dramaturgy: Paul Bargetto
Producer: Polina Bulat
Choreography: Gala Pekha
Composer: Olena Shykina
Music performer: Nuri Ashurova
Singer and performer: Solomiya Kyrylova
Dancers: Dana Sarman, Viktoria Demidova, Anna Kulczycka, Ilona Kovalova, Kateryna Kasianenko
Costume designer: Asya Sutiagina
Lighting design: Paweł Urbanowicz
Dramaturgy: Paul Bargetto
Producer: Polina Bulat
The 2023 premiere was supported by the Goethe-Institut's "Projektfonds Ukraine," funded by the German Federal Foreign Office to strengthen the sustainability of cultural and educational partners in Ukraine.
The Work in Progress stage of the performance was supported by the Contemporary Dance Platform (Ukraine) and The Place (UK) as part of the Let The Body Speak project.
The Work in Progress stage of the performance was supported by the Contemporary Dance Platform (Ukraine) and The Place (UK) as part of the Let The Body Speak project.
gallery
Photo by Vira Dumke
COSSACHKA was initiated by director Julia Łopata in collaboration with the Kyiv-based independent contemporary dance collective Procontemporary and its founder and choreographer Gala Pecha. Procontemporary's key idea is the question: "How does my body dance,
and not how it was taught to dance?" This practice has resulted in numerous dance performances, video works, and movement laboratories, widely acclaimed in Ukraine.
The composer and music performer is Olena Shykina, a graduate of the Module Exchange electronic music school in Kyiv, who collaborates with independent performing arts projects, including the opera "GAIA-24" (Opera Aperta) and the performance "Sun People" by Maria and Magdalena.
The actress and vocalist is Solomiya Kyrylova, whose filmography includes "Pamfir," "Leopolis Night"
and "Granica," as well as leading roles at the Maria Zankovetska National Drama Theater.
She is also a musician and researcher of traditional music.
The costume designer is Asya Sutyagina, known for her work in Ukrainian cinema.
and not how it was taught to dance?" This practice has resulted in numerous dance performances, video works, and movement laboratories, widely acclaimed in Ukraine.
The composer and music performer is Olena Shykina, a graduate of the Module Exchange electronic music school in Kyiv, who collaborates with independent performing arts projects, including the opera "GAIA-24" (Opera Aperta) and the performance "Sun People" by Maria and Magdalena.
The actress and vocalist is Solomiya Kyrylova, whose filmography includes "Pamfir," "Leopolis Night"
and "Granica," as well as leading roles at the Maria Zankovetska National Drama Theater.
She is also a musician and researcher of traditional music.
The costume designer is Asya Sutyagina, known for her work in Ukrainian cinema.
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