Figure: When ballet meets runway by LISA KONNO

“Clothing as a musical instrument

During her first exploration of combining textiles and ceramics — for her solo exhibition The Porcelain Body in 2024 — Lisa Konno discovered the beauty of the ticking, creaking, and jingling sounds produced when ceramics move around a body. In Figure, she continues her research into the many possibilities of these sounds. Her unique garments, crafted from textile and ceramic, evolve into musical instruments and simultaneously form the foundation of the movement vocabulary that choreographer Peter Leung created for the project.

From means of expression to ceramic corset

In addition to the music and choreography, the narrative of Figure is also shaped by Konno’s creations. Through her garments, the audience is guided through a woman’s life journey, experiencing how her relationship with her appearance and beauty changes across the different stages of her life. The works also illustrate the various roles that fashion can play — from a means of expression to a rigid ceramic corset. When does fashion empower, and when does it oppress? And how can fashion have relevance without imposing ideals of beauty?”

– Nationale Opera & Ballet

Dates

06 – 07 November 2025

30 – 31 January 2026

Concept, story, direction and designs: Lisa Konno

Music: Ricky Cherim(Meetsysteem)

Choreography & Co-direction: Peter Leung

Dancers: Matchima Josephine Flos, Rachele Chinellato & Veronika Rakitina

Supported by: Stimuleringsfonds, Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst, Amarte Fonds, Textiel Museum & the European Ceramic Work Centre(EKWC).

• Web NATIONALE OPERA & BALLET
• LISA KONNO
• Instagram @nationaleoperaballet
• Photos © Altin Kaftira
• Video © Salmiak Studio
• All further images as credited in photo captions.