Italian choreographer, director, performer, and writer Chiara Bersani made her first appearance in Korea with a press conference on November 28 at the Modu Arts Theater in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. With her profound sense of artistic and political responsibility, Bersani shared her mission: “As an artist, I believe I must represent the voices of people with disabilities.”
During her stay, Bersani will present three acclaimed works: Gentle Unicorn (November 29–30), The Bush (December 4), and The Animal (December 6–7). These performances, each deeply rooted in her personal experiences and philosophy, have gained recognition for their innovative approach to performance art and disability representation.
Bersani, who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, uses her unique physicality to convey powerful messages. Standing at 98 cm tall and often using a wheelchair in daily life, she transforms her body into a medium of expression on stage, breaking conventional barriers in the arts. Her performance journey began at the age of 19 while studying psychology at university. A theater workshop introduced her to the world of performance art. “I felt freedom when I realized my body could thrive on a wooden floor without a wheelchair,” she said, adding with a smile, “I fell in love with the idea that performance could be a tool for communicating with the world.”
Her career gained momentum when she participated in prestigious programs at the Venice Biennale, collaborating with renowned choreographer Jérôme Bel and filmmaker Rodrigo García. In 2019, she achieved significant recognition by winning the Best Performer Under 35 award at Italy’s esteemed UBU Theater Awards, solidifying her reputation as a groundbreaking artist.
Bersani’s work often merges personal narratives with broader societal themes, focusing on the intersection of identity, politics, and the body. In Gentle Unicorn, she reimagines the mythical unicorn as a symbol of resilience and otherness, transforming the creature’s delicate and mystical qualities into a representation of her own lived experience. The performance invites the audience to confront their perceptions of vulnerability and strength, urging them to see beauty in difference.
The Bush and The Animal further expand on these themes, exploring the relationships between humanity, nature, and instinct. Her performances are deeply interactive, encouraging dialogue between the audience and the performer, and often leaving a lasting impression on those who witness them.
Bersani’s philosophy as an artist extends beyond the stage. She sees her work as a political act, challenging societal norms and amplifying marginalized voices. “Disability is often invisible in the arts,” she explained. “I want to challenge that by creating art that speaks directly to the experiences of people like me.”
Her visit to Korea offers a rare opportunity for local audiences to engage with her groundbreaking work. By blending vulnerability with defiance, Bersani’s performances transcend traditional boundaries of performance art, delivering a powerful message of inclusion, empathy, and human connection.
Sayart / Jack Lee, wangjb77@gmail.com
