The horses are coming

is an interdisciplinary research project initiated by Leila Bakhtali. The project explored symbolism of horses in stories and myths across cultures that convey hope and courage. Horse movement and their rhythms were translated into various sound scores and music themes. Throughout the research new symbolic images and body states emerged that seemed relevant in contemporary society, which seems to collectively share a "state of emergency" and need for transformation.

The project concludes with a series of short films that portray different "worlds" that were discovered during the research and residencies at Schwankhalle Bremen and Theater im Ballsaal Bonn

Performers: Ishtar Bakhtali, Leila Bakhtali, Cristina Commisso

Music/Konnakol composition: Ishtar Bakhtali

Costumes: performers in collaboration with Rike Schmimitschek 

Film & edit: Jessica van Rüschen

Make-up, jewellery & assistance: Lennart Huysentruyt

Supported by Fonds Darstellende Künste with funds from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media within the program NEUSTART KULTUR. Furthermore supported by Schwankhalle Bremen, steptext dance project, CocoonDance and Batavierhuis Rotterdam.