The Others — Niels Plotard

Niels (b. 1993, France) relates to atypical processes, ones which move away from habitual patterns of engaging and being-in-the-world. His interest lies in the weaving and intertwining of practices and perspectives.

He is an transdisciplinary artist, performer and engineer, intrigued by the exploration of movement within physical, visual and sonic worlds. He is curious about the invisible, the out-of-sight, the overlooked and the forgotten. He is driven by a search for alternative ways of creating meaningful connections with listeners. Curious about moving, and being moved.

Collaboration is central to his practice. He looks to be in the perimeter of other people, collaborators and teachers who value honesty, transparency, inclusivity, sensitivity, awareness, and attention. Niels is in the process of developing his own practice as he grows, engaging with the subjects that matter to his immediate context and surroundings — feeding and giving back into the process of research, creation and community.

The Others (2018) — 27 min

Antonin Rioche | Korzo producties, Nederlands Dans Theater
Choreography & concept: Antonin Rioche
Dancers: Rosanne Briens, Kim Ceysens, Florinda Camilleri
Technical direction & composition (live): Niels Plotard
Light design: Antonin Rioche & Peter Lemmens
"After I discovered Bonnie Bassler’s incredible TED Talk about « 90% bacteria, 10% human », I grew interested in bacteria behavior. What is happening inside of us fascinates me. Bacteria behave socially, just like we do. We are all made up of bacteria. And some bacteria are able to produce light when becoming aware of each other. I wanted to create a piece dealing with human, behavioral bioluminescence. I obviously drew my inspiration for The Others from bacteria, from something quite scientific, but mostly from my relationship with other people. I often notice that I feel comfortable talking to someone one-to-one; that, when a third is involved, the conversation is a conversation; and that, in a group of four people, I feel belittled. The more people join the conversation, the more I feel like I am disappearing. As though I couldn’t live with others anymore. My fierce and fearful relationship with other people. The beauty of the community. The beauty of not feeling lonely because we are not." Antonin Rioche

^{Alex Avgud}