I Look at Myself (2026)

“Unfortunately, I really enjoy overthinking all those alternative experiences that might have happened if only my anxiety had allowed it. And it is exactly with this time machine in my head that I often travel away. And where will you go?”

Experts explain that anxiety is a set of sensations and emotions that arise as a reaction to potential
developments of a given situation or to experiences from the past. It can be a completely normal part of human life; however, statistics show that for an increasing part of society it becomes chronic and disruptive to everyday life. Accompanied by worry, avoidance, procrastination, and fear, anxiety is trained as part of our daily routines, interfering with or preventing countless experiences from taking place.

The performance Looking at Myself examines the difficulties of being present that arise from a state of anxiety, exploring the anxious condition through physical ideas. The dancers experience this challenge through their relationships with one another, which invite them not to give in to their first reaction, to accept what is happening, and to act when action is required—while the audience is invited to be present already from the moment they enter the performance space.

Drawing inspiration from and practicing contact improvisation, partner dance, and system-based
approaches, the dancers move through the performance by searching for, finding, and losing physical contact with one another. This is the fundamental principle of the world created on stage.
Opportunities arise to encounter and influence one another, or to avoid and perhaps never meet at all. The choices about their experiences remain in their own hands.

The creative team consists of several talented representatives of the Latvian contemporary dance
scene who have received recognition both locally and internationally. The project is also an
international collaboration, within which the musical accompaniment is created by composer Erasmus John Talbot, known for soundtracks for film, video games, and award-winning art installations, together with his bandmate Frederick Reed. Together they form the group Nasmadrone. The music for both performances will be performed live.

Duration: 55 minutes