RUNNIN’

This virtual imaginary space between superhuman athleticism and mortal danger, into which Black bodies enter when running, is the frame of reference for Joana Tischkau's new stage work. What meaning does “everydayness” have in movement, which bodies are allowed to do what and how much space is granted to whom? How many dignified black bodies can the white gaze tolerate?


While the choreographer, director and performer Tischkau explored the overlaps between Pina Bausch and the ZDF hit parade in her last successful piece “Ich nehm dir alles weg – Ein Schlagerballett,” in “RUNNIN’,” she brings together white projections on black athletes with the concept of ‘pedestrian movement’ – a form of postmodern dance from the 1960s that focused on simple, everyday, seemingly ‘neutral’ movements such as walking or standing

• .But what happens when precisely these movements – long considered inconspicuous and universal – are performed by Black bodies on stage?
  
• Are Black people ever just pedestrians?
  
• And why is the ‘pedestrian movement’ in contemporary dance so white?
  

“RUNNIN’” unfolds an everyday repertoire of movement: Joana Tischkau and her performers stroll, pause, walk, run and form up; they set off and overtake contemporary dance.