P i  E  T  A

A  work  by

A n t o n i a    E c o n o m o

The piece is an ode to Michelangelo’s artistry which was materialized in one of his most crucial sculptures: the Pieta.

The Pieta (1498–1499) captures the moment when the body of Christ has fallen on the lap of the Virgin Mary after his Deposition from the crucifix. Despite the iconographic complexity of this emotionally charged moment, Michelangelo has managed to communicate all the aspects of this intricate scene in an effective and holistic manner. The viewer in front of this masterpiece may experience this statue in several ways.  The dead body of Christ on the lap of the Virgin and the idea of a mother accepting the inevitable doom of her son, allude to a scene of death but, surprisingly enough, inspire a sense of immense relaxation. The inevitable but, nevertheless, necessary mourning. in front of this statue, one is found in absolute awe, despite its tragic nature.

The notion of the body is key for the understanding of Michelangelo’s artistic oeuvre. Throughout his life he focused on the notion of the beautiful body, not in its ideal and perfect form, but in extreme motion.

In the piece named after Michelangelo’s statue, six dancers are called upon to translate into their practice the methodological approach and artistry of Michelangelo towards perfection, from absolute stiffness and stillness to extreme motion. From resistance to acceptance. The dancers are accompanied by three musicians who perform live on stage the original soundtrack composed by Sotiris Tsolis and by the pre-recorded musical compositions of George Kravvaritis.