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"The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living" is a contemporary dance solo that deals with the fear of death, by introducing concepts of ritual and tradition. The piece is based on the Julia Lupașcu’s Romanian heritage, using the understanding of death and passing in her culture as a starting point for a universal question: Why do we fear the unavoidable?

The work uses conventional Romanian customs connected to the moment of passage and funerals in order to touch on the fear and stigma that surrounds the subject. We are faced with the creation of a world, of an atmosphere that becomes heavy, yet almost ironic, the more the character explores the space. A modular coffin-like structure is present, which is then carried, moved and confronted as a dialogue between ourselves and our humanity. The mirror, part of a Romanian custom, is constantly present, peeking from under the black cloth, the darkness, the fear.

Death appears in the form of a cellist. A delicate, honest presence that does not wish to startle or harm, but to be understood. An intense and fluctuating dialogue begins between body and music, between Death and Mortal, between the physical and the spiritual. We do not wish to see our lives ending, therefore we do not wish to meet the reaper. The Physical Impossibility allows Death to introduce herself.

More than a conventional story, this solo piece creates an emotional journey starting from the desperate desire to hold on, leading us to acceptance and release. One character moves through denial, almost as if moving through the stages of grief, unwilling to see Death as what she is. But in the end, the two will meet in celebration, as friends.

A poetic and moving dance solo that transforms fear of death into a journey of acceptance.

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Cellist: Katie Harrison
Associate choreographer: Bogdan Zamfir
Architectural designer: Ioana Oprescu
Music: Lorin Mihalache
Cello composer: David Balica
Costume: Aleea Studio

Producer: Smaranda Enache

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Duration: 20min
Date of premiere: 25.02.2026
Original title: The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living
Special effects: fog
Romania, United Kingdom