This June, Ballet d'Jèrri invites audiences to La Hougue Bie for The Witches - a triple bill of world premieres inspired by Jersey's harrowing witch trials.
Running from 5th to 14th June 2025, this powerful production reimagines one of the island's most haunting historical chapters through contemporary dance.
Set against the ancient backdrop of La Hougue Bie, one of Europe's most significant prehistoric sites, The Witches explores themes of fear, persecution, and resilience. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Jersey was gripped by accusations of witchcraft, leading to trials, imprisonments, and executions. These events, fueled by superstition and social tensions, left a lasting mark on the island's history.
The Witches features three visionary choreographers:
- Katya Bourvis: Known for her emotionally charged movement language, Katya examines the female experience within the witch trials, exploring how societal structures suppressed women's voices.
- Vidya Patel: Drawing from the rhythmic and narrative traditions of Kathak, Vidya's choreography explores the deep relationship between people, their land, and their stories, honoring resilience as both individual and collective.
- Cecilia Lisa Eliceche: Rooted in decolonial and feminist perspectives, Cecilia interrogates the structures of power that enabled the trials, examining their relevance in today's world.
Guiding the production is Dr. Adam Perchard, a Jersey-born artist and scholar, serving as artistic consultant. Their knowledge of history, language, and performance ensures a rigorous yet poetic approach to storytelling, grounding the work in research while allowing for artistic reinterpretation.
All performances take place at La Hougue Bie, Jersey. Following the opening night, tickets are available on a 'pay what you can' basis, reflecting Ballet d'Jèrri’s commitment to making dance accessible to all.
Performance dates:
- Thursday 5th June 2025 at 19:30 (VIP Premiere with champagne reception)
- Friday 6th June 2025 at 20:00
- Saturday 7th June 2025 at 20:00
- Sunday 8th June 2025 at 14:30
- Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 20:00
- Thursday 12th June 2025 at 20:00
- Friday 13th June 2025 at 22:00
- Saturday 14th June 2025 at 20:00
Experience this extraordinary journey through history and movement. For more information and to book tickets, visit Ballet d’Jèrri’s official website or Eventbrite.
