The Rape of the Sabine Women

Eve Sussman and the Rufus Corporation

18 May 2010
The Astor Theatre, Mount Lawley

The Rape of the Sabine Women, the internationally and critically acclaimed high definition video work by American artist Eve Sussman and The Rufus Corporation will be presented at the Astor Theatre by PICA and Reeldance as one of only 6 exclusive screenings in Australia.

Re-interpreting the Roman Myth and in reference to Jacques-Louis David's 1799 painting, The Intervention of the Sabine Women, Sussman and her collaborative group of artists, dancers, actors and musicians have re-situated the story in the hedonistic 1960s. In her radical update, the Romans have become G-men and the Sabine women butchers' daughters. This highly seductive work was developed through improvisation and filmed on location with a cast of hundreds in Athens and Hydra, Greece and Berlin, Germany. The video features an original score by Jonathan Bepier, choreography by Claudie De Serpa Soares, and costumes by Karen Young.