Horse Me | Sofia Mavragani & Janis Rafa

Neighing, galloping, falls, sadistic bonds, torture, worship. The horse serves as a symbol of social status, beauty, and freedom, as well as a model of taming and ‘assimilation’ by humans. “Horse Me” is the result of a creative partnership between choreographer Sofia Mavragani and visual artist Janis Rafa. The sarcastic, political world of the choreographer merges with the multidimensional and animalistic universe of the visual artist.

Whips and snaffle bits intertwine in a bizarre sensual arrangement. Buttocks and tails vibrate over arias and electropop tunes. Paradox texts speak of the jockey’s triumph, while a list names the causes of death of twenty-three racehorses. Deft movements respond to violent commands implying the animal’s disobedience.

“Horse Me” explores human fantasies, desires, and cravings to tame and dominate other bodies. The work, by subverting gender stereotypes, hierarchies, and preconceived notions, raises concerns about the joys and pains that animals and human beings can share. By paying tribute to the creatures who have offered their lives in the service of humans, the performance finally appeals to the body’s right to remain unexplored, undefined, and untamed.