PERFORMANCE

The imposing Dominican Church in downtown Krems becomes a desire machine, which whirls around associations, images, and feelings: Ariel Ashbel, already a guest in 2017 with his brilliant work The Empire Strikes Back, returns to donaufestival with a new commissioned work that he developed especially for this site. Drawing from David Lynch’s film prequel Twin Peaks–Fire Walk with Me, the former sacred space transforms into a twilight zone of horror and comedy, where the borders between human and
non-human, motion and sculpture blur in spectacular fashion.

Several hours of performance culminate in two peaks, which can unfold in multiple directions, from an installation to a salon, a party, or a concert. Ashbel's hybrid mob includes international and interdisciplinary artists, combining new guests with long time collaborators.

Direction: Ariel Efraim Ashbel

With: Jessica Gadani, Cassie Augusta Jørgensen, Liz Rosenfeld, Tamara Saphir, Tatiana Saphir, Sarah Thom

Music: Hacklander/Hatam

Featuring: Nkisi

Dramaturgy: Petra Poelzl

Research and concept: Romm Lewkowicz

Light: Joseph Wegmann

Object Design: Alona Rodeh

Stage technology: Adam Goldstein

Director assistant: Katharina Joy Book

Production: Anna von Glasenapp & Mat Hand

A production by Ariel Efraim Ashbel and Friends and donaufestival.

Website