SELF PORTRAIT

SYNOPSIS

Inside the world of an art gallery, a ‘live portrait’ explores the inner life of a dancer and reveals the deeply hidden history of Jewish flamenco. In Self Portrait, Annalouise creates a portrait as a metaphor for contextualising the performed self of a contemporary-flamenco dancer. She shares her Sephardi (Jewish Spanish) ancestry, which speaks loudest with internal frictions in this present time.

The Spanish Inquisition and 1492 expulsion have created rupture for diasporic peoples. Centuries of forced conversions, dispossession and secrecy are uncovered.

Jewish mysticism and lore are shared, but what was kept and what was hidden, and why? This ‘detective story’ takes an unexpected turn when an entirely unknown deep-rooted history with flamenco is revealed!

Humour, wit and curiosity invite the audience to gaze, question and be complicit as the artist presents the co-existence of multiple conflicting selves to be resolved and united in the one body; in this bold, intelligent and poetic telling of one person’s path to self-sovereignty. 

Migration stories are often told by the first person but what happens decades or even centuries later? Each of us contains multitudes of layers from life’s experience passed down. This universal story celebrates the existence of multiple cultural affinities in the single self, and for embracing complexity within the contemporary world.

RESEARCH

Research and creative development in 2025 was supported through the Memorial Foundation of Jewish Culture.

  Continuing research will uncover the deep connections of Sephardi culture; liturgy, music, rituals, wisdom and lore that are embedded within flamenco. The roots of Jewish Spanish and flamenco cultures are inextricably linked and share a history from time of the expulsion of the Sephardim from historic Spain and Portugal until present day.

 It is essential to present Sephardi culture and its influence in Jewish history respectfully. Archival materials, books, Sephardi, Rabbinic and flamenco music scores will become an important part of ongoing audience engagement.

Creative development involves choreographing, scripting, music composition, costuming and set design, working with a director (or outside eye) to refine the material and offer dramaturgy. Annalouise is in the process of building her small creative team so that Self Portrait is tour-ready and cost-friendly to regional galleries and museums after its premiere season.

Early development from 2012 -2016 was essential for devising, scripting, and characterisation. This was made possible by working with talented creative teams and important venue support. Thank you to them all.

SUPPORT

If you’d like to support the next phase of my research and development of Self Portrait you can make tax deductible donations via the Australian Cultural Fund.

Your funds will assist us to continue the research and creative development and to build a library of resources that are accessible throughout the life of the work and beyond.  

Funds raised will be used towards artist and collaborators fees for Annalouise Paul (choreographer/dancer) and for a music composer, sound designer, costume and set designer and director/dramaturg.  

This takes the additional help of your gifts small and large. Thank you!

 Your support will assist in the creation of this poetic and entertaining work that offers a metaphor for embracing complexity and diversity within broader contemporary Australia.