A conversation with Robin Nimanong .

Identity and LGBTQ activism play an important role in the work of dancer and choreographer Robin Nimanong. During the Delft Fringe Festival 2021 his dance performance Postscriptum 223 can be seen daily. Postscriptum 223 challenges one to self-reflect and to break through the pigeonholing spirit surrounding identity.

In recent years Robin Nimanong has worked for the dance companies Ivgi&Greben, Batsheva Ensemble and SHIFFT, among others. He is currently a dancer with NBprojects by choreographer and theater producer Nicole Beutler, and has also created several solo performances. His dance film Aphrodisiac II won the 2020 Next Best Fringe Award. 'My previous solo work ‘Aphrodisiac’ and the film ‘Aphrodisiac II’ with cameraman Bo Bolderink were both an investigation into queer identity, toxic-masculinity and acceptance. Now I'm rediscovering this same research in an accessible way with the new youth performance Postscript 223," Robin says.

From two to three options
The performance was developed over a longer period of time, during which Robin could count on the help of various dance studios and production houses theaters. 'For Postscript 223 I completed two residencies. One in Finland at Tuo Tuo Arts and another at ‘Dans in Ontwikkeling’  along with Liat Magnezy. Also, CaDance (Korzo Theater) and the Vrijburcht Theater helped us with studio time. Postscript 223 is a reference work of ‘Aphrodisiac’ with a different perspective on my research on identity, acceptance and consciousness. Two, two, three or 2-2-3 involves moving from the two options of "male" and "female" to three options, or more. There is not only black or white, but something in between or beyond. A gray space, which recurs in the transformation throughout the performance.'

More than a dance preformance
Postscript 223 therefore has a clear message, which Robin Nimanong wants to do more with in the near future. 'Along with Noa van Tichel, I am establishing a self-care platform called EMBRACE. This platform will encourage self-care for everyone breaking labels and pigeonholing. Man and woman are often discussed as societal ideals, and it can take a lot of time and energy to stick to an existing label. We then often ask ourselves "Am I enough?", but what happens when we explore ourselves outside of this framework and develop without expectations?' Postscript 223 is connected to EMBRACE and touches on the topics of acceptance, self-care and identity. Ultimately, Robin wants to use this educational platform to approach schools to encourage a process of individual fulfillment among young people, through dance.

Suitable for young and old
The Delft Fringe Festival will be Robin's online debut as a young producer. "I haven't had an online streaming with my own show yet. Again, it was an experiment that can still be developed a lot! But the medium of film is strong and can sometimes enhance dance." Delft Fringe Festival is therefore quite a place for experimentation, where sometimes very surprising things emerge!' Although aimed at young people, all ages are welcome at Postscript 223. 'The performance is suitable for anyone who wants to rediscover male and female energy and discover new energy that connects us all in between and beyond'.

Watch the trailer off Postscriptum 223