»›JEZEBEL‹ challenges us to think, it's witty, cleverly structured, fast-paced, and unfolds on multiple levels. « – Movement Exposed

›JEZEBEL‹ is a dance performance inspired by the »Video Vixen«—female models prominently featured in late '90s and early 2000s hip-hop video clips. Images in the mass media – and in music videos particularly – often projected the female in a hyper-sensualized way. The repetitive images in hip hop videos reinforce stereotypes associated in particular with black/dark/coloured women. Video Vixens – also referred to as »hip hop honeys« or »video girls« – were the subject of severe criticism and often typified as the »Jezebels« of the late 1990s and early 2000s.  In the pre-Youtube era – when MTV still meant Music Television – the Video Vixen model played a central role in video clips. In spite of the explicit lyrics (usually written by men) and the sensual, seductive and scantily clad appearance of the vixen, her performance had a great influence on the aesthetics of these clips. As well as on the popularity of the (male) artist. During the past twenty years, the Video Vixen has both suffered and benefitted from this. Today, she stands for much more than the objectified »ride or die« model within a male-dominated culture. Jezebel refuses to be defined by others. She navigates the landscape of hip hop culture, looking for ways to reclaim her own image. Can Jezebel deconstruct the controversial stereotype associated with the black hip hop honey? How did this video girl redefine herself today?

Please note: Parts of the performance include intense basses as well as loud and shrill noises . Stroboscopic effects and haze are being used. The performance addresses topics such as sexualized violence and sexism.

Concept, Choreography & Performance: Cherish Menzo Lighting design & Technical coordiantion: Niels Runderkamp Music: Michael Nunes Video: Andrea Casetti Costumes: Daniel Smedeman Dramaturgy: Renée Copraij Outside eye:  Berthe Spoelstra, Christian Yav, Nicole Geertruida Vocal coach: Shari Kok-Sey-Tjong Campaign image: Tatchatrin Choeychom Co-Production: Frascati Productions Production Management: Bibi Scholten van Aschat Distribution and tour management: GRIP & Frascati Productions International Distribution: A Propic: Line Rousseau, Marion Gauvent, Lara Van Lookeren With the support of: Amsterdam Fonds voor de Kunst Thanks to: Benjamin Kahn & Centre Chorégraphique Le Château