An acrobatic dance theater performance by Maya Kaplan
In the performance “Human Marionette”, Kaplan addresses questions about the human being’s freedom and ability to maintain a unique identity in a world full of limitations and dictates. A marionette mechanism, which both controls bodily movements and is controlled by them, is at the center of the performance. While the artist’s body is hanging in the air, ropes connecting her hands and legs, her movements react to the limitations the mechanism creates. Through states of struggle, surrender and capitulation, Kaplan reaches a state of euphoria when she achieves complete control over the restraining mechanism. Three human marionette characters appear in the performance, clothed in a special, colorful collection, designed by Kaplan and created especially for the performance. The collection’s items and accessories distort the body parts and determine their movements. The performance soundtrack is comprised of sounds from Kaplan’s childhood, combined with original music by Or-Ron Stern (Symbolico).
more about the collection:
The designs range from organic to mechanical. All parts are screwed into the garment serve as body shells and are interchangeable. Traditional craftsmanship was combined with innovative technologies such as 3d modeling and scanning to create a perfect fit. The patterns are taken from childhood paintings that have been manipulated and distorted and reflect an individual's exposure from infancy to the reality within which they will grow and live.
Materials: Veg-tan leather Residues, 3D Printing Materials such as Nylon PA12, TPU, PETG, Resin, and textile.
Working techniques: Textile design, digital printing, 3D printing with MJF, SLA, FDM, and SLS technologies, 3D scanning, 3D design in Fusion 360, Meshmixer, Digital fashion design at Browzwear Vstitcher and CLO3D, prints design at Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, AR design at Ar studio software, traditional leather craft techniques with veg-tan leather.