“My very tight uniform has become a symbol; a symbol of lost dreams and sexual confusion.”

LEVIAH is a visual memoir about vulnerability, power, and powerlessness. Choreographer Reut Shemesh shares a collection of memories from her service in the Israeli military and brings into awareness a phenomenon that has not often been spoken about: the emotional difficulties and despair that female soldiers experience in junior positions. Many of them suffer from a loss of control, eating disorders, and endure sexual harassment. The work tests the borders between vulnerability and control, the transition from human to mechanic and the collision between present and past. LEVIAH brings into light the effect of political processes on the individual’s psyche.

Winner: Cologne Tanz- und Theaterpreis 2017.

Winner: audience prize Festival 638 KiloTanz Essen.

»Leviah« is big, dark, brave, personal, but not private. Reut Shemesh allows dance to handle the art of dealing with vulnerability without portraying the victim as small and powerless” M. Suchy TanzMagazine August 2016

Concept, Choreography, and text Reut Shemesh
Dance and creation Hella Immler, Reut Shemesh
Music Simon Bauer
Scenography Ronni Shendar
Costume Dario Mendez Acost
Dramaturgy Daniel Rademacher
Management Sabina Stücker
Camera & Photography Ronni Shendar
Photography Sasa Huzjak