What is the connective possibility of disruption – the creative response to collapse along boundaries? We experience rifts in our current existence with a seemingly increased pace and intensity. Even in times of extreme change and trauma, societal pressures can make us feel we’re expected to behave as though everything is fine, suppressing our fears and discontent – essentially, to defend the status quo.
But rifts can bring potential. Rifts in geology are fractures, where the seeming permanence of the rocky skin of the Earth has been pulled apart. They are transitional environments that can reveal volcanic energy and possibility below. Drawing from the geographical image of surfaces fragmented at their borders, revealing active and unstable forces beneath, we invite artists to connect not only in harmonious co-creation but via turbulent forces of push and pull.
A performance playground is a chance to create a safe and fearless environment in which we can intentionally break norms. Rifts are a space for artists to brave creative disorder, role reversal, alternate identities, and least-probable collaborations. Rifts are disruption and displacement, but also migration, movement, and hope. We will support one another in finding ways of navigating internal and external tensions in imaginative ways. Artists can imagine new ecosystems of cooperation and mutual care – dancing on the edge of the volcano.
Following an intensive week of collaboration in the silent green ateliers, a group of 14 fellows selected via open call with put their ideas to a test in a finale performance at Hebbel am Ufer (HAU 2).