Rubiane Maia: In Search of Darkness
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Join Brazilian and Folkestone based artist Rubiane Maia for In Search of Darkness, a live experimental performance forming part of the closing weekend of Folkestone Triennial 2025.
Developed alongside her new film installation of the same name, this slow and thoughtful performance invites us to pause and connect with the earth. Over three hours, five performers use breath, rhythm and voice to build a shared language with the ground beneath their bodies.
Here, darkness is not something to fear. It is a space for renewal, reflection and quiet change. In Search of Darkness asks us to listen more closely to what we cannot always see and to consider what stories the soil might hold.
Please note: This work includes themes of burial, loss, grief and racism.
About the performance
• The performance is developed in dialogue with Rubiane Maia’s film installation, In Search of Darkness.
• The performance will evolve slowly over three hours. You are welcome to stay for as little or as long as you like.
• Following an opening ritual, each performer will take up their position on the floor. Their upper body and faces will be covered lightly with soil.
• When all five performers are in the position, they will start to use sound and breath to create a collective lament, communicating with the residues, bones, minerals and memories that compose the soil.
• The work explores themes of burial, loss, grief and racism.
Practical information
• The event takes place indoors at The Loft. There is no step free access.
• Photography and filming will take place throughout the performance. If you would prefer not to appear, please make a member of staff aware.
• Visitors with dogs are asked not to bring them inside the venue.
If you have access needs, please let us know and we will do our best to support you.
Credits
• Performers: Alessia Dosso, Helen Davison, Ilã Kamalagharan, Josie Carter and Rubiane Maia
• Sound Designer: Johnny Tomlinson
• Performer Care and Support: Bean
• Photo Documentation: Manuel Vason
• Film Documentation: Clare Unsworth
• Project Manager: Jo Cowdrey
With thanks to Folkestone Sea Sports for their support.