untitled (lover)
SYNOPSIS - Untitled (Lover) is an experimental sonic theatre film that delves into the complexities of relationships, communication, and the passage of time through the interactions of four characters. Each character navigates the rational and emotional aspects of their experiences, unravelling emotionally through unconventional communication. From tense breakups to blossoming love, shifting friendships, and emerging rivalries, the film explores the boundless nature of love and its myriad expressions. The narrative framework allows actors to improvise through movement and sound, creating a dynamic and resonant portrayal of human connection.
Untitled (Lover) is an experimental theatre film exploring the complexities of non-verbal communication through improvisation, movement, sound, and live scoring. Combining experimental cinematography with character-driven physical performance, the work unfolds without dialogue, using graphic and narrative scores to guide both performers and musicians.
Thematically, the project investigates the layered dynamics of human connection, focusing on relationship complexities, shifting gender roles within intimacy, and the limitations of spoken language. By removing dialogue, Untitled (Lover) opens space for physical gesture and sonic interaction to carry emotional weight, revealing how communication operates outside traditional norms and expectations.
This experimental theatre piece premiered at the Granary Theatre in Cork in 2024, to an intimate audience. The live performance, designed to engage directly with the space and audience, set the stage for a subsequent filmed version that is a work of its own. The filmed performance debuted at Out of Frame Cork in 2024, accompanied by a live score of electronics performed by Jonathan Crean and Conor Bourgal. This filmed piece features a uniquely crafted sound design, which complements the improvisational nature of the work, enhancing the dynamic interaction between the actors' movements and the evolving auditory landscape.
Created by Lucía Dwyer, who wrote, choreographed and directed the project, Untitled (Lover) is an exploration of interdisciplinary practices and indeterminacy. Drawing inspiration from the works of John Cage and the choreographic innovations of Pina Bausch, Dwyer blends elements of film, theatre, sound, and narrative storytelling to craft a unique experimental experience. Much like Bausch’s work, which challenged traditional notions of dance and theatre, Untitled (Lover) embraces a fluid, open-ended approach, allowing for spontaneity in both performance and technical execution. The piece pushes the boundaries of traditional theatre by embracing a collaborative and non-linear creative process.
