EYIBRA

Veles/Тіні
March 16 & 17, 2023

Veles / Тіні (Lithuanian and Ukrainian for ‘souls of ancestors/shadows’) is is an immersive performance and multimedia installation for solo performer, digital avatars, and visual projections. ‘Veles/Тіні ’ explores queer identity in Ukraine and Lithuania from pagan times up to the present, including during the current war. It combines 3D video technologies with ancient ritual songs, experimental electronic music, movement, and queer techno.

Structurally the piece originates in the ritual and the ancestral, with EYIBRA performing pre-christian songs and movements. It then moves to more contemporary/electronic soundscapes and movement, including a sound installation constructed of voice notes sent from Queer Ukrainians fighting on the front line.

The final part of the piece is a funeral ritual, emulating the pagan goddess of death, rebirth, and dreams Mara/Morena, who now has been retaken as a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and rebirth.

According to EYIBRA, the piece was created as a direct response to the current Russian invasion of Ukraine - ‘I felt this existential threat to my culture, to my roots, to an ancient tradition that predates Russia itself, that predates the patriarchy and the church... these ritual songs are connected to a divine femininity, traditionally sung only by women they represent a different vision of the world - one that is a polar opposite to the current toxic masculinity represented by the leader of Russia.’

EYIBRA wanted to connect to their roots through their identity as queer person in a way that felt organic, and the project has involved a deep investigation into Ukrainian (and Lithuanian) traditions: ‘For me this piece is about looking at Eastern Europe through a Queer lens, about reflecting on the possibility of a parallel or futuristic society that has the potential to be non- patriarchal, gender fluid, and open - originating with pre-christian songs and rituals I move through to more experimental, electronic soundscapes where I bend and stretch my voice to its limits. With 3D visuals by my collaborator Oswaldo Erréve, we explore a futuristic vision of a genderless being that embody the polyphonic nature of these songs.’

EYIBRA is no stranger to pushing limits and Veles/Тіні follows in a similar vein to previous work - their collective, MUXX, was commissioned by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2022 to create a performance and multimedia piece which explored non-binary gender and post-colonialism through the lens of the Muxe (Lukas Avendaño), an Indigenous third gender from the Zapotec nation of Mexico.

Veles/Тіні is accompanied by a video installation with EYIBRA represented as the aforementioned deity Mara/Morena, exploring a gender-fluid being as defender of modern Ukraine.

The audience is encouraged to move around the space. Think installation more than ‘concert’, as the performers will also be moving. There will be DJ sets following and you are welcome to stay with us in the space.
Colector.

Specials thanks to Ukraine Pride, Colector Gallery México, Yuri Yosifovych, Iryna Klimenko, Darian Donovan Thomas.

ABOUT BRIC

BRIC is a leading arts and media institution anchored in Downtown Brooklyn whose work spans contemporary visual and performing arts, media, and civic action. For over forty years, BRIC has shaped Brooklyn’s cultural and media landscape by presenting and incubating artists, creators, students, and media makers. As a creative catalyst for our community, we ignite learning in people of all ages and centralize diverse voices that take risks and drive culture forward. BRIC is building Brooklyn’s creative future.

Major support for BRICLab is provided by TD Bank. Additional support for BRICLab: Performing Arts is provided by Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Howard Gilman Foundation and Mertz Gilmore Foundation. General support for BRIC is provided by Bank of America, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, Genesis Inspiration Foundation, Howard Gilman Foundation, Lambent Foundation, M&T Charitable Foundation, New York Community Trust, Scherman Foundation, Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), Tiger Baron Foundation, and numerous individuals.

Donate to Ukrainian queer people affected by the war
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