Dunja Jocić
Afternoon of a Nymph
In 1912, Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune by Vaslav Nijinsky shocked audiences with its radical movements and provocative themes, quickly becoming an iconic ballet. More than a century later, choreographer Dunja Jocić breathes new life into this work with Afternoon of a Nymph, shifting the focus from the faun to the nymph — once a silent object of desire, now a force in her own right.
Jocić liberates the nymph from her passive role and explores how identity is shaped through the gaze of others. What happens when the one who was always watched begins to watch back? This international dance production centers on power, perspective, and liberation. Visceral and physical, the performance challenges you to rethink what you see — and who is doing the looking.
A cast of seven dancers brings the story to life with striking precision and strength. Their sharp, deliberate movements express what it means to break free from a narrative imposed upon you. Music plays a vital role in this journey. Composer Jonathan Bonny — known for blending classical, pop, and electronic elements — has reimagined Debussy’s original score into an intense and haunting new soundtrack.
Afternoon of a Nymph is a co-production between Dance Company Osnabrück and Stichting Dunja Jocić. Following a sold-out run at Stadstheater Osnabrück, the performance now makes its way to the Netherlands.
Dunja Jocić is known for her cinematic dance works that delve deep into the human psyche. Her background as a ballet dancer and elite athlete in former Yugoslavia brings a unique intensity to her creations. She frequently works with international companies and previously won the prestigious VSCD Dance Award De Zwaan.
With Afternoon of a Nymph, Jocić once again delivers a powerful work where dance, music, and imagery intertwine. The result is a compelling performance that takes you on a journey through identity, power, and the act of reclaiming your own narrative.
Website: dunjajocic.com
