Exorcism of the Father

"Exorcism of the Father” A Butoh piece and organic installation,

created by Belle Shafir and Gustavo Thomas, with original music by Sarah Sarhandi

"My work is a succession of exorcisms. There you have the real motivation of what I do. Every morning when I start work I exorcize a trauma - it's not too strong a word. But this isn't something you talk about, it's something you do."

(Louise Bourgeois)

A deep singular ritual of movement and emotion, where an artist grapples with the haunting presence of his deceased father, confronting memories that resurface every day at the same time. In Exorcism of the Father, each movement becomes a personal exorcism, channeling the pain, resilience, and the search for liberation.

As the performance unfolds, a captivating curtain made from horsehair sets the scene with its unsettling texture. The stage holds a bed, also woven from horsehair, symbolizing perhaps the visceral weight of memory. In silence, the artist immerses herself in her work, creating an atmosphere charged with purpose then the need for an exorcism comes.

At precisely 10:00 AM, the Butoh dancer enters this charged space, stepping into the role of an healing exorcist, poised to confront the shadows and memories of the interactions with his father and all he represents.