Ordeal by Water

Ordeal by Water, aqua frigida judicium, was a medieval form of divine judgement wherein, the accused – usually women suspected of sorcery – was drowned in water. If the water “accepted” her, she was considered innocent but if the water “rejected” her, she was found guilty of possessing magical powers. Etymologically, ‘ordeal’ refers to the notion of testing. Research draws a parallel between the ordeals of medieval times and those of the contemporary athletic body. In this piece, the dancer-guitarist duo explores physical restraints in various ways, through a musical journey composed of riffs, echoes and sound waves inhabiting the space. Losing its human form, the body, water, and the elements on set both come together and break apart, thus creating a malleable, moving material in constant metamorphosis.

Photo: © Linda Qibaa