Latest Report on International Exposure (Contemporary Dance Theatre/ December 2022)

“International Exposure”: A showcase on the Israeli dance scene - A fresh report from Suzanne Dellal Center’s festival, after 3 years of absence.

ーSaori Mikami (Setagaya Public Theatre)

From November 30th, 2022 for five days, the Suzanne Dellal Center in Tel Aviv hosted the latest edition of "International Exposure," a festival that showcases Israel's dance scene. Israel is well-known for its thriving dance community, and the Suzanne Dellal Center is a key player in this world. The festival, which began in 1995, has become an annual platform for introducing many artists. It coincides with the rise of contemporary dance centers throughout the country, and after three years of cancellations and online performances, the festival returned to its live format this year. The Center underwent renovations during this period, including the completion of a new bright and open studio. Additionally, Yair Vaidi, who had been the executive director for a long time, was replaced by a new CEO, Anat Fischer Leventon, and Naomi Perlov became the new Artistic Director.

Despite the ongoing effects of the Covid pandemic, more than 100 people from European countries in the dance industry, including theater directors and festival producers, were invited to the event, as the number of participants from other Asian countries decreased. Over 20 groups performed during the five-day festival, ranging from the famous Batsheva Dance Company to new rising artists. However, what drew the most attention at the renewed "Exposure" were two new programs: "PITCHING" and "1｜2｜3."

Debut of “PITCHING”& ”1｜2｜3,” New Programs of This Year!

"PITCHING" is a project where nominated artists present their work to a panel of pre-selected judges from both inside and outside the country. Each group was given around 5 minutes of preparation time. If the panelists agreed on the presentation, they offered the group a residency at a theater they directed or promised an offer to festivals in their own country. This program raised more excitement than expected, and it was less tense and more friendly than similar TV programs in Japan that focused on a presenter talking about their dream to gain monetary support.

"1｜2｜3" is a project designed to develop choreography skills for young dancers. Participants first choreographed a solo performance, followed by pair work with other participants, and then developed a trio collaboration. Through this program, participants gained more experience in choreographing for a group performance. The program emphasized the importance of developing choreography through calculation, rather than just relying on inspiration. During the pandemic, dancers' projects were centered around solo performances, but through this project, they were able to meet new fellow dancers and receive objective advice from a mentor and learn new methods.

While festivals are traditionally designed to showcase the newest works by various artists, this "Exposure" incorporated new educational elements in these two projects. I believe this was a message from the organizers that they wanted to awaken and grow the theater arts for the next generation, which have been more or less stagnant globally.

The five-day schedule of the new "Exposure" was designed to be relaxing compared to previous editions. And, fun activities were planned to help guests communicate with each other naturally, such as an open-air salon called "Wine 'Clock," where guests could enjoy all-you-can-drink wines. The days flew by, and as I reminisced with other guests about the street musicians playing folk instruments at the entrance of the Suzanne Dellal Center, we were delighted to hear the same tunes again in the same place. This experience made me appreciate the deep history of the Center and its timeless existence even more.

(translation: Hisako Miyamori)

Saori Mikami

Producer of the Setagaya Public Theater in Tokyo. She is programing local and international dance & performance company, unique dance works and innovative collaboration with young choreographer as well as several workshop and educational program.
In 2023, 2 talented Israeli choreographer, Inbal Pinto and Danielle Agami, will come with their marvelous dance production at Setagaya Public Theatre.