The letter "M" is the most frequent sound in the word "mother" in many languages around the world. In fact, Inbal Oshman's dance work is a journey of movement and emotion that explores different aspects of motherhood. The ancient hymn "Stabat Mater" is dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother. Oshman has created a contemporary dance for this hymn, inspired by the myth of Mary and other mythical mothers and mother goddesses such as the dark and violent Hindu goddess Kali and the four mothers of the Bible. Each of these myths reveals a different aspect of motherhood - divine or earthly, heavenly or human. These aspects are revealed in the dance work through movements and postures, body and mind. The dance is inspired by the iconography of the goddess Kali, the classical Indian dance tradition and the sculptures and paintings of the South. Thus, ancient myths of motherhood are fused with the choreographer's experience and insights as a mother. The dance explores the strength and fighting spirit that characterises motherhood on the one hand, and on the other its very vulnerable and tender nature. It is performed with great delicacy and awareness. The Israeli premiere of M follows its first performance at the International Dance Festival in Bangalore, India.
Photographer and editor: Sagie Baron. Video taken at Peak Performances, Alexander Kasser Theater, MSU, New Jersey.
