Düsseldorf

The stage: a temple. In a white circle with a fabric canopy, the audience and solo performer meet, initially for meditation. Meditation? With breathing techniques, a movement loop, spoken words, music, and light effects, Ben J. Riepe succeeds in bringing most of the audience, seated on the floor, on a light-colored plush carpet and cushions, into a state of ecstasy. The Düsseldorf-based choreographer himself falls into a trance during the premiere at tanzhaus nrw, staggers. Exhausted, he finally approaches his cheering audience: I need a hug! A cleansing ritual.