Carneros

Over the course of history there have existed various different rural or traditional sports in the Basque Country. Many of these are still proudly practised by the people: stone lifting, log chopping, ox pulling etc. Nevertheless, there are other sports such as ram fighting, which despite being banned is still practised today.

The enthusiasm amongst the Basques for fighting and competition has exploited these animal’s instincts for butting each other for betting purposes.

These fights consist of the confrontation of two rams head butting each other with their horns until one is defeated. The primeval instinct to butt, leads each animal to strike its opponent repeatedly with force that a rapid short run up and a spring from the hind quarters gives. The spectators bet on the winner and on the number of blows required for victory. If the rams do not challenge each other, the owners goad and encourage the animals to continue, however the beasts will never butt each other if the other is not prepared, in other words they will not take advantage of a weaker opponent.

This choreographed piece is inspired by one of the Basque rural sports: the head butting of rams. Apart from the way in which these animals fight, facing up to each other, retreating to leap at each other, lowering their heads, turning up their horns and fighting, they also provide a point of reflection to the enthusiasm generated.

What would happen if suddenly, one was converted into a ram? Subject to the stare of the public, immersed in their betting…..

TITLE CARNEROS
SPACE Calle
DURATION 17´
CONCEPT AND DIRECTION Natalia Monge
PERFORMERS Pilar Andrés, Eneko Balerdi
CREATION Director and performers
MUSIC COMPOSITION Marc Cano
COSTUME DESIGN Mayda Zabala
PHOTOGRAPHY Bubu