Like Hel, the mythological figure of the Nordic cosmos, dancer Anne Jung welcomes her audience in this solo at the gate to the underworld: the tunnels of Germany’s largest construction site, Stuttgart 21.
The choreography refers to a dance scene from Fritz Lang's film Metropolis (1927). In the film, the android Maria performs a lascivious solo. Her creator Rotwang originally intended to bring his deceased wife Hel back to life. However, in order to take revenge on the tyrannical ruler of Metropolis, Rotwang changes his plan and gives the robot the appearance of the revolutionary figure Maria. As a result, the city descends into chaos and Hel/Maria is burned at the stake.
With this choreography, I expanded my practice using a site-specific approach to dance. Starting from an iconic figure of cinematic expressionism, I explored the mystical potential within a space defined by borders and transit. Without music, only the hollow echoes and distant sound of city life, HEL/MARIA allows the viewer to interpret each movement carefully. The figure leads us into her empty realm, a space that, once entered, can never be visited again.
Credits
Concept, Choreography, Costume Design, Set and Light Design: Louis Stiens
Set and Light Design Advisor: Erik Sturm
Dancer (original cast): Anne Jung
Initiator and Curator: Erik Sturm
Curator and Project Lead: Carolin Wurzbacher
Photography: Victor S. Brigol
Premiere: January 06, 2023, SOLID TRANSITIONS – Art in the construction halls of Stuttgart21
Duration: variable length
