Eternity and mortality between Orient and Occident: Together with Gustav Mahler and vibrating porcelain, two artists from Needcompany draft a new universe for a deliciously fragile choreography.

When Mahler was diagnosed with a fatal disease, he composed “The Farewell”, one of his saddest and most personal works. In the latest performance by Grace Ellen Barkey and Lot Lemm, this piece from “The Song of the Earth” cycle develops in the midst of a fragile and sensual stage installation. As members of Needcompany, these two artists were part of the highly successful opening of the 2014 steirischer herbst, “All Tomorrow’s Parties”.

In his cycle, Mahler assimilates man’s struggle against his own mortality in contrast to the eternal, ever-renewing nature. He was inspired by ancient Chinese poetry that was extremely popular in Europe towards the end of the 19th century. Precious porcelain was another much collected item at that time. Lemm&Barkey have been experimenting with this precious material for several years, inventing new objects and also using porcelain as a material for costumes. In “The Porcelain Project” they used an oversized soil shaker to make porcelain vibrate, thus creating a very unique, impressive sound.

In their latest production “Forever”, a choreography which will premiere at steirischer herbst, they expand this structure into an entire vibration landscape, exposing it to the frequencies of Mahler’s music like a highly condensed symphonic orchestra ? a fragile symbol of transience.

Bühnenbild, Ausstattung, Raumgestaltung: Lot Lemm
Bühnenbild, Ausstattung, Raumgestaltung: Grace Ellen Barkey
Konzept / Idee: Grace Ellen Barkey
Choreografie: Grace Ellen Barkey
Komponistin / Komponist: Gustav Mahler
Mitwirkende / Mitwirkender: Mélissa Guérin
Mitwirkende / Mitwirkender: Sarah Lutz
Mitwirkende / Mitwirkender: Maarten Seghers
Mitwirkende / Mitwirkender: Mohamed Toukabri
Musikalische Leitung: Rombout Willems
Kostüme: Lot Lemm
Dramaturgie: Elke Janssens
Lichtregie: Gwen Laroche
Tondesign / Sound: Bart Aga
Künstlerin / Künstler / Gruppe: Lamm&Barkey / Needcompany

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