How does one make people aware of how they respond to the world? Of the memories embedded in their bodies? Of the stories, solutions and judgements they hold?

Four Views gives four choreomusical perspectives on a single story. These perspectives and their mode of expression have been evoked by a convergence of Alexander Technique and kinesiology, using artistic and scientific methods to delve deep into a person’s mental and corporeal layers and bring forth something which has hitherto remained unnoticed. 

Four views. Different cultures. One and the universe. Male and female. Love and mundanity. Wrath and God. 

Alexander Technique is a method which enables people to gain awareness of the response patterns, habits and reactions engrained in their bodies. Recognizing such patterns for what they are not only facilitates the release of tension, but also aids in finding overall harmony. Kinesiology is a psychophysical practice based on Chinese energy theories which, like Alexander Technique, helps people discover the concealed layers of their bodily memory. 

Two years ago Maret Mursa Tormis, a teacher of Alexander Technique at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, began her collaboration with the researchers at the Laboratory of Kinesiology and Biomechanics at Tartu University. They were united by a deep fascination with how people can be led to awareness of the hidden strata of memories and experience their bodies hold. 

At some point, all creative individuals exhaust their resources and need to find something fresh, as each creative act should contain a novel element. How does one open up to the new? Studying the six performers revealed some surprising results. The outcome is now presented to the audience. What will the performers make of what they have discovered? Will dancers become better dancers, musicians better musicians, burglars better burglars? The results of Alexander Technique – the invisible shirt on our backs – are now put before the viewers.

This is not psychoanalysis. These are not collective archetypes.

These are people and their stories.

Dance/choreography: Tiina Ollesk and Rene Nõmmik

Music: Anne Türnpu, Citra Krista Joonas, Edward Krimm, Jaagup Tormis

Light design: Airi Eras

Costume: Reet Aus

Director: Maret Mursa