Jean Abreu, Solo for Two, Horniman Museum

Robots are impinging evermore in the everyday lives of humans, and even dance is not out of bounds to their exploits. Robots have been gradually colonising the stage, dancing alongside humans; now they’re taken one step further by Macheba.

A minute two-headed female character, Macheba performs alongside Jean Abreu and Rita Carpinteiro in Solo for Two, a work that explores dual identity. Originally from Brazil, choreographer Jean Abreu has spent half his life in his country of origin and the other half in Britain. Naturally, exploring his mixed identity, the combination of holding on, letting go and new beginnings is a key interest of his.

In Solo for Two, conceived with the Belgian dramaturg Guy Cools, the dancers leave behind the Brazil of sunshine and beaches, black beans and social dances, and struggle to find their place in the world, dancing to a new electronic sound by Luca Biada.

All along they are observed by Macheba, the robot, who scans the dancers’ memories and projects their feelings. Macheba is operated on the spot as part of the choreography and has a role in determining the characters’ options.

Co-commissioned by the Horniman Museum, Solo for Two is a response to its collections and in particular the new World Gallery, where it will be performed as part of the Wonderful World Late evening festival of dance, tours, talks, film screenings and installations.