FOREST SILENT GATHERING by Begüm Erciyas
DATES: August 6, 7, 8 & 10, 11 at 7:00 PM
MEETING POINT: Naturcenter Amager, Granatvej 5, 2770 Kastrup – NB! Bring a bicycle MAP
WHAT: Performance in English
FREE – reservation required due to limited capacity
We dissolve into the forest’s twilight
The sunset approaches. In a clearing in the forest, you meet 14 other people. Each of you receives a set of headphones. Every time you hear the signal, you take a few steps back. Slowly, slowly, you move away from the group. They disappear among the trees.
Forest Silent Gathering is, as the name suggests, a gathering in silence. What happens primarily occurs within yourself. What happens when you move further and further away from the group’s safe embrace, as darkness falls? How far must the distance be before the social bonds of community break? Before normalcy is dissolved? What do you have to orient yourself by? What do you imagine happening around you? And with the others in the group? Are there other forms of life that become noticeable?
Begüm Erciyas has always explored isolation and community through her works, which became particularly intense during the corona epidemic. While we spent most of our time alone or in our little bubbles, community took on a new meaning. And many of us sought meaning and connection in new places, e.g. in the wild.
It is also here in nature that we seek answers to how we humans can change course. What must our role be here on the planet if we are to continue to exist? The performance premiered in 2022 and is a meditative and thoughtful dive into some of the biggest questions of our time – with you at the centre.
Duration: 2 hours
Practical Information: From the meeting point, you will cycle approximately 10 minutes to the performance location. Please bring your own bike if possible. It is possible to rent a bike at Naturcenter Amager. If you wish to do so, please send an email to info@kit.dk, preferably at least a week in advance.
Interview with Begum Erciyas in Copenhagen:
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Begüm Erciyas (TR) initially studied molecular biology and genetics in Turkey before finding her way into the world of dance. She began studying choreography and has since developed transdisciplinary formats that put the audience at the center – alone or together. She has become a sought-after artist in Europe for her unique ability to capture the zeitgeist and make us feel and reflect on what fills the present moment. She is based in Belgium, and her works have been presented at many of the major European stages and festivals, including Kunstenfestivaldesarts (BE), Wiener Festwochen (AT), Theatre Nanterre-Amandiers (FR), Münchner Kammerspiele (DE), Radialsystem (DE), Kaaitheater (BE), and Theatre Vidy (CH). She is a resident artist at DeSingel Antwerp.
CREDITS
Direction: Begüm Erciyas
Realised with: Matthias Meppelink, Jean-Baptiste Veyret Logerias, Maru Mushtrieva
Sound Design: Eric Desjeux
Dramaturgy: David Weber-Krebs & Jonas Rutgeerts
Prop design: Günbike Erdemir
Production: Outline
Distribution: Something Great, www.somethinggreat.de
Co-production: deSingel, STUK, Arcadia 2022, PACT Zollverein, Platform 0090, Kunstenwerkplaats
With the support of: Vlaamse Overheid
Thanks to: Homo Novus Festival, Musica Impulscentrum voor Muziek
Photos: Begum Erciyas