KATHARSIS
a process based performance by Steffi Mennen, 2023
KATHARSIS is a process based performance in which Steffi researches time and its influence on identity. Together with a group of elderly she investigates whether one can let go through movement and dance - and other art forms. The aim is for it to be a deeply personal proces, for both the performers a the viewers.
Daria Halprin, a somatic-expressive arts therapist and dance teacher, said that our bodies are like containers. They store our life stories, but we are not aware in what way they contain our experience, trauma and memories. Steffi aims to develop that awareness and use it as fuel to create KATHARSIS.
Besides the performance Steffi will shape the process through different art forms. The participants will work with movement, but also touch upon other media like painting, photography and writing a.o. Dialogue is an important component of the proces as it will grow into a shared and fluid archive of memories and experiences that can grow into different form of storytelling.
KATHARSIS aims for full embracement of oneself, a celebration of the time together and of what time does to a person and a body.
CREDITS
concept + directed by Steffi Mennen
created with and performed by Nadine Baeten + Monique Bellens + Ann Decaestecker + Ann Desmet + Greta Devos + Linze Maghe
light and set design, Lars Uten
advise by Tijen Lawton
dramaturgy, Pieter Desmet
documentation, Jonathan De Maeyer
production, Persona
in association with, NTGent publiekswerking
residency, Viernulvier + NTGent + Academie de Kunstbrug
thanks to, Maarten Heirman + Academie de Kunstbrug: Michael De Weert + Vier het Leven