BENO NOVAK

This work is part of an ongoing research series exploring the integration of Slavic ancestral bodily experiences into my movement practice.

At this stage, my research focuses on reviving the Slovenian ritual of Kurentovanje* in its pagan form through embodied exploration. I am investigating whether prolonged engagement with the physical practice of Kurentovanje can provide insight into the ritual’s practical and symbolic dimensions, while also deepening my understanding of myself, dance, and performativity.

My theoretical framework is rooted in the concept of the body as a vessel of knowledge and an archive, as well as the performative potential of collective embodied memory.

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This practice is not intended as performative material but rather as a tool for learning. However, for the purpose of this presentation, it has been structured into a cohesive form. The audience is invited to observe the practice from different angles and is welcome to move around the space.

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* Kurentovanje: a traditional Slovenian festival rooted in pre-Christian rituals, that features costumed figures known as Kurenti, who perform dynamic movements and loudly ring bells to chase away winter and summon spring.

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RESEARCH, CONCEPT, CREATION

Beno Novak

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MENTORSHIP

Dragana Alfirević

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COSTUME DESIGN

Tina Pavlin

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Borut Bučinel

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MUSIC DESIGN

Elvis Homan

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Premiered at DeSingel Theater, Antwerp, Belgium