Together with the four dance makers Erika Kookie Filia, Miriam Budzàkovà, Simone Lorenzo Benini, Ofer Dayani and the composer and sound artist Kenji Tanaka as well as the filmmaker Mohamad ElHadidi, the artist Birke van Maartens collectively explores the Anthropocene.

Under the name Corporeal Flummox, they collectively investigate various relationships between humans and nature and mapped a maze that became a performance space in the choreographic centre SQfarm Fallbach Art Research Movement in the mountainous landscape of Berchtesgadener Land, in Upper Bavaria. The labyrinth allowed the spectators to determine the course and structure of the actions by freely choosing the paths along which they would walk and by making these choices. The surroundings, including the forest, fields, courtyard and lake of the choreographic centre, were brought to the fore through installations and performances. The aim of the project was to create a deeper understanding of nature and its significance for humans.

The research for the project began at the SEAD dance centre in Salzburg and continued in Berlin, at the DOCK11 studio among others. During the residency at the choreographic centre SQfarm. Fallbach Art Research Movement, the project was performed for the first time. During the residency, the aim was to explore the relationship between humans and nature in the context of the Anthropocene. Through the collaboration of the project participants, models of coexistence and ecology were explored and reflected upon in the seclusion of nature, and the Anthropocene was considered from different perspectives. Body-based, choreographic and performative methods were used to outline the questions and insights resulting from the research.

Performers / Artists: Birke van Maartens, Erika Kookie Filia, Miriam Budzàkovà, Simone Lorenzo Benini, Ofer Dayani

Composition / Sound art / Sound: Kenji Tanaka

Camera / Film: Mohamad El Hadidi


Supported by the NATIONAL PERFORMANCE NETWORK - STEPPING OUT, funded by the Minister of State for Culture and Media within the framework of the initiative NEUSTART KULTUR. Assistance Program for Dance.

Produced at the choreographic centre SQfarm. Fallbach Art Research Movement, SEAD dance centre in Salzburg and the studios of DOCK 11 GmbH (gemeinnützig) Berlin.