How many times have we been convinced that we fully understand what is happening around us—certain that we grasp the essence of what we’re seeing? From the simplest to the most complex situations, assumption is a fundamental human trait. We instinctively seek answers and explanations.
What do you see, or Not is conceived as a dance performance that invites the audience to question what they perceive on stage. Movements, sounds, emotions—may not be what they seem at first glance. They may reveal different truths than those we initially perceived.
This piece is intended for everyone, aiming to provoke an internal reaction. The choreographer hopes that by the end of the performance, the audience will recognize that what happens on stage mirrors what happens in everyday life. The work serves as a bridge—connecting us to something we often deny: the chance to reconsider our assumptions about a friend, a family member, or even a stranger on the street.
For younger audiences (especially teenagers), the performance offers an opportunity to become more thoughtful and empathetic; for mature viewers, it provides space to re-examine personal perspectives.
The performance is structured in three parts, exploring the themes of loneliness, self-confidence, reliance on others, and prejudice.
Creative team:
- Choreography: Michele Pastorini
- Choreographic Assistant: Valentina Chou
- Costume Design: Maria Mattaranz
- Performers: Michele Pastorini, Valentina Chou, Maria Mattaranz
- Music: Rijeka Chamber Philharmonic (Osman Eyublu, Golnar Mohajeri, Pedro Rosenthal Campuzan)
- Lighting Design: Kristian Baljarevski
- Stage Manager: Anca Zgurić Popa
- Project Coordination: Vivien Balint
Michele Pastorini, originally from Sicily, studied classical ballet at the Vincenzo Bellini Academy in Catania. At 17, he joined the Città di Agrigento company specializing in folk performances and toured extensively across Europe. In 2011, he became part of the Swiss Cinevox Junior Company, directed by Malou Fenaroli, dancing lead roles in works by Franz Brodman, Jacqueline Beck, Felix Dumeril, and Gisela Rocha.
During that period, he began choreographing and twice won the Young Choreographer Award (2011, 2012). In 2013, he joined the Landesbühnen Sachsen theater in Dresden, performing leading roles in works by prominent choreographers.
Since 2017, he has been a member of the Ballet of the Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc in Rijeka, under the artistic direction of Maša Kolar, and was named principal dancer in 2020. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including First Prize and the Audience Award at the Festival of Choreographic Miniatures in Belgrade (2018), and the Audience Award for his role as Apollo.
In 2025, he founded the Yellowbiz Arts Collective, based in Rijeka.
