TA_ATUA (DELUSION)

TA_ATUA (Delusion) emerges from a world shaped by the extraordinary and tumultuous period of the global pandemic. Conceived and created during the COVID-19 crisis, the work reflects the raw, fragmented, and uncertain nature of human existence in those unprecedented times. It was brought to life amidst lockdowns, restrictions, and the ever-shifting regulations that dictated physical distancing, mask mandates, and the very ability to be present in the studio. The creative process unfolded in phases—sometimes in isolation, sometimes in small, carefully controlled groups, and always with an awareness of the invisible threat that loomed beyond the walls of the rehearsal space.

As the pandemic disrupted lives worldwide, our 13 international dancers faced their own unique struggles. Some were physically present in Israel, navigating a city under lockdown, while others were stranded far from home, deeply concerned for the well-being of their families. The instability of personal and professional foundations mirrored the wider existential uncertainty felt across the globe. Misinformation, political polarization, and debates over vaccinations further compounded the sense of confusion and distress, weaving themselves into the fabric of the creative journey. This charged atmosphere did not merely influence TA_ATUA (Delusion); it became an intrinsic part of its very essence. The dancers carried these emotions into the studio, channeling their fears, doubts, and resilience into the movement and energy of the piece.

TA_ATUA (Delusion) is an exploration of existence—both individual and collective. It delves into relationships between people: between lovers, between members of a society, and between humanity and the unknown. It speaks to the dissonance between reality and perception, between truth and illusion. The title, chosen only upon completion of the work, encapsulates the delusive nature of the time in which it was created. It reflects the distortion of reality caused by fear, uncertainty, and misinformation, yet it also serves as a lens through which we examine our lives beyond the pandemic, in times we might consider “normal.”

This work does not seek to tell a linear story. Instead, it invites each audience member to embark on a personal journey. As the theater darkens and the curtain rises, a rope is metaphorically extended—an open-ended guide leading spectators into their own associations, memories, and reflections. Each individual weaves their own narrative, shaped by their unique perspectives and emotions.

TA_ATUA (Delusion) does not aim to provide answers or closure. Instead, it leaves the audience with lingering questions, unresolved thoughts, and an invitation to contemplate the illusions and truths that shape our shared reality.

– Rami Be’er