THREE acclaimed choreographer have drawn on Jersey’s dark past to create a trio of world premiere dance pieces inspired by the Island’s historical witch trials.
Ballet d’Jerri will perform ‘The Witches’ at La Hougue Bie from 5 to 15 June.
The triple-bill performance brings together work from choreographers Katya Bourvis, Vidya Patel, and Cecilia Lisa Eliceche.
Ms Bourvis said her choreography was deeply rooted in true historical accounts from Jersey’s past.
She explained that, for one particular scene, she drew on recorded testimonies of those accused of witchcraft.
“Those words of judgment and accusations are enmeshed in the choreography,” she explained.
The choreographer’s work also takes a more dreamlike and symbolic turn by drawing on local stories – such as the legend of Witches’ Rock, which is located near Green Island in St Clement.
Folklore says that witches congregated at the rock and raised storms with their songs, forcing fishermen passing by to pay tribute or risk their boats being dashed on the rocks.
The headland of Rocqueberg apparently still has the imprint of a cloven hoof from an encounter between fair Madeleine and satanic Hubert, who she fought off with a cross.
“The story of Madeleine and Hubert and the witches felt so evocative and inspired a key sequence of images that have become key motifs in the piece,” said Ms Bourvis.
Meanwhile, Ms Patel said her choreography focuses on reimagining rituals to honour the lives of those persecuted.
“The work glimpses into the stories of Marie Esnouf, said to have a witch’s mark on her palate; Symon Vaudin, accused of speaking with the devil in the form of a cat and a crow; and Jeanne Le Vesconte, a healer accused of witchcraft,” she explained.
“The history of Jersey has inspired me to create a reimagined ritual to honour the lives of those persecuted and honouring their perspectives as individuals and connection to wisdom and nature.”
The Witches has been created with artistic consultation from local performer and academic Dr Adam Perchard.
Tickets for all performances – except the opening night – will be sold using a ‘pay what you can’ model.
Carolyn Rose Ramsay, founding artistic director of Ballet d’Jerri, said that “access should never be the barrier” to art.
Opening night on 5 June includes a champagne reception and the chance to meet the performers, with tickets priced at £100.
