Kassia Undead, creation 2025-2026
For this new creation, Lara Barsacq wishes to explore the rich heritage of Kassia of Constantinople, a 9th century igumen, poet, composer and hymnographer of the Byzantine Empire, who was canonized. She remains one of the first medieval composers whose scores have been preserved.
Her life and work will be a source of inspiration to start a scenic and choreographic research but will not be the main subject of the piece. She will not necessarily be evoked as a historical person, the focus will rather be oriented towards the appreciation of her works as well as their scope, from the Middle Ages to the present day, even into the future.
On stage, dancers and singers will bring to life scenes illuminated by forgotten works by Kassia.
After Lost in Ballets russes (2018), IDA don’t cry me love (2019), Fruit Tree (2021) and La Grande Nymphe (2023), Kassia Undead is Lara Barsacq's fifth project.
The premiere series of Kassia Undead is planned for October 2025.
Kassia Undead - a project by Lara Barsacq (creation 2025-2026)
Creation and performance (in progress) : Marta Capaccioli, Tarek Halaby, Aymara Parola, Clara Verkindere, Els Mondelears, Agnès Potié, Emma Laroche
Original music: Cate Hortl
Music: Kassia de Constantinople
Light design: Estelle Gaultier
Artistic advises: Gaël Santisteva
Objects and stage design: Ateliers Indigo
Costumes design: Lara Barsacq
Technical direction: Emma Laroche
Sound: (in progress)
Administration & production: Myriam Chekhemani, Elisabeth Maréchal
Communication & distribution: Quentin Legrand - Rue Branly
Production: Gilbert & Stock
Coproduction (in progress): Charleroi danse - Centre chorégraphique de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Théâtre de Liège, Les Brigittines, Concertgebouw Brugge (BE), Cité musicale - Metz, La Briqueterie CDCN (FR)
Residencies (in progress): Charleroi danse, Théâtre de Liège, Grand Studio (BE), Cité musicale - Metz, La Briqueterie CDCN (FR), CSC - Centro per la scena contemporanea (IT)
With the support of Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles
Lara Barsacq is artist in residence at Théâtre de Liège (2024-2028) and at Cité musicale-Metz (2024-2026).
