Combining the natural physicality of the body, martial arts, and contemporary dance, “Mikado” explores the current human condition when virtuality is substituted for the material.

Society as a pack of sticks. We are all closely interconnected, constantly shifting rules of the social game. The pandemic and social media are changing our ways of behaving, communicating and making us less capable of critical thinking. Our relationships become intangible, unfulfilling, and fragmented. Something inside us starts to crave for points or resilience and genuine social connection. It revolves around such elements of existence as the primordial human body, archaic wooden sticks, and today’s mobile devices. The stick symbolizes the first human body extension. It’s a symbol of physical communication with the world. It is a tool, an instrument, a weapon in martial arts. It connects and pushes away, establishing “the safe distance”. The performance combines different languages of movement such as the natural physicality of the body, the archaic tradition of Aikido, and other martial arts and contemporary dance. Intensified with rhythms, music and seasoned with Italian cultural references, it creates a ball of energy that goes straight to one’s core.

“Mikado” is choreographed by Vittoria de Ferrari Sapetto, Andrea Valfre and performed by Šeiko dance company, Nuepiko dance company, other professional dancers from all over Europe as well as Kaunas local community members. The light design is created by the famous Giacomo Gorini and the music is composed by renowned Italian composer Giorgio Ferrero.