Extant is a real-time film that examines the juxtapositional meeting of performance and the complexities of the behind the scenes. Extant presents audiences with a contiguous view of reality and the sphere presented through the camera, and the dichotomies inherent in the representation of our current social landscape.

Extant is a reflective essay on the rhythm of nature and the constant of time from the inception of birth and beyond. Interspersed with imagery of the known and unknown universe, it explores the balance humans have with nature and themes that are anchored in our existence. By placing the audience at the centre of this universe, the film explores chapters of life from birth, growth, memories, grief and grace with the natural world. In an attempt to understand the perception of time, birth opens the first scene leaving remnants of growth throughout the film.

There is a constant reminder of time that carries into the seamless scene of continuous motion through time and space. We are reminded by our temporary existence in our relationship with nature, that nature is indifferent to us. It keeps on going, doing, creating, destroying and dying. There is tension in this relationship that may be beyond repair. Can we leave this earth the way we left it? And as humans find themselves lost in the modern world through life’s most arduous lessons of grief and suffering, we are faced with questions of our eternity. Through phases of our lives, time carries us beyond the known, and what we are left with is a body of memories.

After the performance, there will be a discussion with the creators of the show. The discussion will begin approx. 10 minutes after the end of the performance and will be moderated by Dáša Čiripová.

Concept: Jamie Lee
Choreography, performers: Jamie Lee, Stanislav Dobák
Direction: Jamie Lee
Camera: Stanislav Dobák
Drone pilot: Stanislav Dobák
First camera assistant, gaffer, key grip: Bartosz Przybylski
Production assistant: Kristína Chmelíková
Music composer: Lászlo Pálmai
Head technician: Milan Slama/David George Hoskins Cartwright
Set production: Christoff Laurent
Production: Alexandra Mireková – SKOK! and Záhrada – centrum nezávislej kultúry
Project supported by the Slovak Arts Council
Residency: Studio Thor

MOTIONHOUSE / JAMIE LEE & STANISLAV DOBAK is a non-profit organization dedicated to storytelling through artistic creation. It serves as a base for creativity, experimentation, innovation, dreaming, doing, exchanging, and above all, connecting with people. Their goal is to create a space for new conversations and to create in a way that dissolves the boundaries of artistic forms. Their approach embodies a collaborative culture using dance/body to connect with other creative thinkers. Their commitment lies in creating interdisciplinary dance creations adapted to various spaces, from theaters, museums, galleries, living rooms, basements of abandoned power plants to small and large screens. They transport audiences to virtual realms, realms of imagination, and the depths of their dreams and memories. They embrace technology, using it to advance choreography, drawing inspiration from unlimited possibilities and encounters with innovators, all in an effort to create new works that resonate with audiences across borders.

Motionhouse, based in Brussels, was founded by Jamie Lee and Stanislav Dobak. It operates in various locations across Europe and collaborates with renowned artists, choreographers, and ensembles, including Hetpaleis, Iris Bouche, Compagnie SOIT/Hans Van den Broek, Ultimavez, Rosas, and Kunstwerk. Through these collaborations, Lee and Dobak have developed a strong interest in transmedia collaboration focusing on the intersections of choreography and technology. This passion led to the establishment of Motionhouse as a transdisciplinary production house dedicated to exploring and deepening these artistic connections.

JAMIE LEE is the creative director and producer of Motionhouse, focusing on the methodology of Motionhouse projects rooted in storytelling and their impact on audiences. She creates concepts, narratives, choreographies, and performances, also working as a dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, director/producer of documentary films, film editor, podcast producer, and impact producer.

STANISLAV DOBAK is the technical director of Motionhouse. He contributes to the creation of projects as a dancer, choreographer, cameraman, drone operator, and more recently as a steadicam operator throughout Europe, earning him the nickname "dancing cameraman".

Foto: ​​Katarína Baranyai