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INTERVIEWS WITH MEDUSA CAST MEMBERS

06 Sep 2018

Patricia Hastewell

MEDUSA

Patricia Hastewell is a new addition to Jasmin Vardimon Company (JVC). “I started to dance when I was little, I danced mostly contemporary but also ballet and a little bit of hip hop. I like to explore whatever relates to movement, martial arts, acrobatics, any kind of dance…” After graduating with a BA in Law from University of Barcelona, she graduated from the SEAD Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance which awakened her interest in choreography. As well as working with JVC she also collaborates with the collective she co-created La Otra Familia collective

 

Q1: WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE MYTH OF MEDUSA?

For Patricia, what is so powerful about the myth of Medusa is its per durability: “Greek Mythology mirrors human behaviour in a way that it connects more to the human condition than to the period of time in which it took place. We can find the same feelings or emotions of power, love, envy, betrayal, punishment and war here in the 21st century.”

Patricia also noted that Medusa is also the symbol of the fashion house Versace! Their logo uses the beautiful Medusa as a symbol of power, strength and beauty rather than the fearful Gorgon who could turn you to stone with a single look…

 

Q5: MEDUSA NOT ONLY FOCUSES ON THE MYTH OF THE MEDUSA BUT ALSO REFERENCES OUR IMPACT ON THE OCEANS. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL ACTION TO HELP THE SEA? E.G. NO PLASTIC BAGS, REUSABLE COFFEE CUPS, SAY NO TO THE STRAW… 

“From working on Medusa, I have learnt how much waste a small group of dancers can produce… everything is covered in plastic, so it is very difficult to avoid it. I try to reduce or reuse plastic as much as possible such as having my own reusable water bottle. This creation has also taught me that there is an island of plastic floating in the ocean the size of London!”

 

Jasmine Orr

MEDUSA 2

Jasmine Orr has been a member of the company since 2017 performing in Pinocchio 17 – 18. “I bring an energy that rejuvenates ideas of the creation period, aiming to fortify Jasmin’s work and bring new inspiration to the process. I work in a vigorous manner that’s enhances both the physical and mental work we create in the studio.”

Q1:WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE MYTH OF MEDUSA?

Medusa’s myth is a reflection on the subject of rape in today’s culture. Questions like “Was she asking for it?” are still asked today implying the victim is at fault. It is important we bring awareness to this issue and eradicate this dated idea, highlighting who is the accused and who is the subject of someone else’s wrong doing.”

 

Q2: WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DOES MEDUSA MEAN IN YOUR LANGUAGE (LIKE HOW IN SPANISH IT MEANS JELLYFISH)? IF THERE IS NO MEANING HOW DO YOU SAY JELLYFISH IN YOUR LANGUAGE?

Jasmine is from Australia which inhabits one of the most deadly jellyfish species in the world, the Box Jellyfish! “We refer to most jellyfish as ‘stingers’ or the most common type on Australian beaches is the Bluebottle known as a ‘bluey!'”

 

Q5: MEDUSA NOT ONLY FOCUSES ON THE MYTH OF THE MEDUSA BUT ALSO REFERENCES OUR IMPACT ON THE OCEANS. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL ACTION TO HELP THE SEA? E.G. NO PLASTIC BAGS, REUSABLE COFFEE CUPS, SAY NO TO THE STRAW…

“Through our research, it has opened my eyes to amount of plastic waste my household consumes on a weekly basis. By physically collecting our weekly plastic usage and having it splayed out in front of us, I have realised the immensity of the situation and how one person really can help to make a positive difference by recycling. I have completely cut out the use of plastic straws, take my own bag to do my weekly food shop and I’m also conscious in the grocery store to select products in cardboard packaging rather than plastic.”

 

Joshua Smith

EDUSA 3

Joshua Smith is another new addition to JVC. “I’ve been thrilled to offer my varied expertise in dance styles, I bring a strong energy of development into the studio especially around other dancers. I love improving my craft with other people and also sharing knowledge that I have obtained over years of touring and creating with other companies.” 

Q1: WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE MYTH OF MEDUSA? 

“Medusa is a story you feel you’ve known since childhood, but when studying it through a process so many things unravel and find themselves embedded in topical culture. I was surprised at some realities of the story that appeared in the details. It is a brutal myth that’s embolic of value systems and imagery of its time. Poseidon is very much an anti-hero, if anything a blatant villain in my eyes.”

 

Q5: WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL ACTION TO HELP THE SEA? E.G. NO PLASTIC BAGS, REUSABLE COFFEE CUPS, SAY NO TO THE STRAW… 

“I consider myself very aware of the global impact humans have had on the environment. Everyone has something to share that deepens that awareness. I continue to learn about the true impact we have on this planet but I think it is important to draw light and take part in positive campaigns for things such as recycling and renewable energy. I have also learned that agriculture is the leader in global pollution and continues to have incredible systemic issues a great detriment to the eco system.”

 

DanceEast welcome JVC with their performance of Medusa to the Jerwood DanceHouse in October. For more information and to book tickets click here.

JVC are also holding a Workshop for over 55+ years at DanceEast, for more information click here

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