LA PIETÀ
A videodance installation by Ruben Zahra

The “pietà” is a subject depicted by many artists portraying the Madonna cradling the dead body of Christ.

Undoubtedly, the most famous pietà sculpture is by Michelangelo Buonarroti, carved from a block of Carrara marble and located in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. In this videodance project, Zahra reproduces Michelangelo’s “La Pietà” – inverting the Madonna and Christ figures. The youthful male in Mary’s monumental drapery cradles a beautiful female nude on his lap. The girl, just like Michelangelo’s Christ, does not reveal any sign of torment. Throughout the choreography, the couple is fused in a relationship that develops and unfolds to explore a wide range of emotions, from tender embrace to passionate devotion. Movement curated by Ruben Zahra in collaboration with choreographer Francesca Tranter.

Creative Team: Concept, music composition and video editing: Ruben Zahra | Choreographer: Francesca Tranter | Dancers: Julia Lundberg & Chakib Zidi | Light design: Moritz Zevan | Costume design: Ritienne Zammit | Make-up: Jackie Grima | Filming: Sam Chetcuti | Photographer: Emma Tranter | Recording engineer: Luke Grech – Cornerhouse Studios | Mixing engineer: Matthew James Borg