Sadler's Wells Associate Artist Jasmin Vardimon chats to Run Riot ahead of returning to the Peacock Theatre, starring in her politically-charged and theatrical work, Justitia

Bethan Wood: Justitia delves into the depths of the justice system, unravelling the multiple truths concealed behind a crime story, what inspired this piece?

Jasmin Vardimon: I created Justitia in 2006, and although the notions of justice and guilt were on my mind, I was primarily interested in how we process information when in a judgmental situation.

The main question I had on my mind was: Does what we see dictate our point of view, or is it our point of view that dictates what we see?

I was interested in creating a piece based on a narrative that would be full of visual and oral contradictions, when the spoken and written text would sometimes contradict the information the audience received visually. I was interested to explore whether most would trust their eyes or their ears, and what layers of subjective truth would add to that mix.

BW: Were there any significant developments for the company and/or yourself through the making of the piece?

JV: Absolutely. Each work I create is dedicated to exploring a chosen subject and finding the most suitable means of communicating that specific subject matter. So the language of expression can vary from piece to piece, and the tools I engage with are very different.

Justitia is the only piece so far that follows one narrative, but within it there are several stories and we explore the different threads of the stories as on a crime case.

In the process of creation, I spent two periods of development at the National Theatre Studio working with a couple of script writers for the first time. I feel that with Justitia I developed further my investigation into the constant dialogue between dance and theatre.

BW: The piece is staged on a revolving set, did this bring up any challenges for you?

JV: It did initially, when we found out that where we were rehearsing it wasn't possible to revolve the set. So I spent a long time going round it myself, imagining how it would look once it did revolve.

Eventually we moved it to another space where it could revolve and I discovered many possibilities of using it physically and conceptually.

BW: Do you have a particular formula or pattern to creating your work?

JV: Only to be honest and dedicated to researching the subject I choose, to explore and to be open to investigate it in different ways and to be sensitive to the responses I get from my dancers and the rest of the artistic team.

BW: What inspires you?

JV: My inspiration mostly comes from books and films. I recently read several books on brain research and knots in memory which I find hugely inspiring.

BW: You have been an Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells since 2006 and previous to this Associate Artist at The Place in 1998, what does it mean for you?

JV: Since 2006, when I became associate artist at Sadler's Wells, most of my work (apart from special commissions) has been commissioned and presented at Sadler's Wells.

I'm also very involved with the education department at Sadler's Wells, working to develop the skills and education of the future generation of performers and creators.

Sadler's Wells is the host for the newly created National Youth Dance Company and last year I was invited to be its first Artistic Director, adding to the ways that we work together towards aims and goals we share.

BW: Your company has toured all over the world, which has been the most exciting space you have worked/performed in?

JV: Every place we visit generates its own excitement before we expose the work to a new audience, but I guess bringing my art-work to Israel where I grew up where and most of my family and many of my friends live was the most exciting experience for me.

BW: What plans have you got coming up for future work?

JV: This year we are touring two pieces from the company repertoire: Justitia and Yesterday, and I will start my research towards a new creation to be premiered in late 2014

Jasmin Vardimon Company - Justitia

17 Sep 2013 – 22 Sep 2013

To book tickets visit: www.sadlerswells.com