geistzeit (2022)

“geistzeit” is a site-specific performance moving through berlin’s city centre in search of an event that is scarcely recognised: the “Berlin Conference” or “Congo Conference”. created and directed by myself and Coila-Leah Enderstein, the hour-long performance evokes something between a guided tour and a treasure hunt, drawing attention to the opaque powers that shape(d) the borders of African countries today. four fictional characters activate the site through humour and absurdity, bringing participants into critical relation with practices of imperialism through playing with archetypes of eurocentric knowledge producers.

after spending a year in relationship with this particular site, Coila and i wrote the script and then opened it up to the performers Alexandre Achour, Auro Orso and Cikacé Lestine who then brought their own interpretations to the work and its themes. the work premiered in September 2022.

direction, performance, script, costume: nicola van straaten & Coila-Leah Enderstein | performance: Alexandre Achour, Auro Orso and Cikacé Lestine | map & zine Design: Lena Astarte Posch | documentation: Zee Hartmann

Supported by the NATIONAL PERFORMANCE NETWORK – STEPPING OUT, funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media within the framework of the initiative NEUSTART KULTUR Assistance Program for Dance.