Arietis Sisters and the Sun with Miroslava Vecerova

Lucie Kordacova and Miroslava Vecerova
Debut at Ostara, Group Exhibition at Electro Studios Project Space, St Leonards-on-Sea, UK
Curated by Fran Painter-Fleming

Arietis Sisters and the Sun is a new collaborative site-specific performance work devised by  Lucie Kordačová and Miroslava Večeřová. Taking place in the tidal zone of Saint-Leonards on-Sea, this performance digs into ancient mythologies and astrological customs to celebrate the Spring Equinox. Exploring contemporary ecofeminists stances, the project calls for a  reconnection with nature through collective environmental stewardship.

The performance is taking place during the passing of the sun through the Aries constellation.  Four performers will embody the four stars within Aries: Hamal, Sheratan, Mesarthim and  Bharani. Adelaide Percy will take the place of the sun, singing an original rendition of a  traditional Slovakian folk song. The choreography brings these zodiacal patterns down to  earth, creating a bodily thread between earth, sea and sky as celestial movements become  reflected and rippled in water.

Tracing transcultural lineages of folklore, the costumes draw on various cultures’ associations  with Aries. Since late Babylonian times, Aries has been represented as a ram. Within this  performance, ram horns have been crafted as headpieces. In Hindu astronomy, the stars  Mesarthim and Sheratan are associated with Ashvins, the twin Vedic deities of medicine who  are linked to dawn. In traditional Chinese astronomy the stars Sheratan, Hamal, and  Mesarthim mark the body of the White Tiger and people of the Marshall Islands also interpret  this constellation as a porpoise. The costumes weave together these references, creating  otherworldly figures who dwell in intertidal zones, rejoicing in the wonder of the cosmos.

Collaboratively developed between Kordačová and Večeřová, who have both left their home  country of The Czech Republic, the piece also meditates on their joint experiences of  migration— with the joyful return of the sun echoing the resilience and determination within diasporic lives. Arietis Sisters and the Sun offers a visually enchanting and thought-provoking experience,  fostering contemplation on our place within the cosmic dance of life.

Wax props are made in collaboration and fabricated by Hadaikum. Metal objects are fabricated by Glynde Forge. Performers are Lise Boucon, Hannah Collisson, Jess Mabel Jones, Santi Sorrenti, singer Adelaide Percy. Text: Fran Painter-Flaming. Camera and sound for performance is Atom Inions Morton. Design for the project is made by Matúš Buranovský. Photo Thomas Fennell.