and counting is an ongoing work in process. A show that never really starts - and for that matter, it also never ends. Two performers work their tricks in an arena, over and over and over again. Between darkness and full exposure, where making sense and taking space has to constantly be re-negotiated. They recount their steps and stories, jokes and punches, limbs and lashes. Juggling with their need to perform, to be seen or heard, to get a grip - and with their inability to do so.

and counting sets up a performance arena that answers to synthetic rules and is filled by synthetically expanded bodies. In this arena, words become numbers, numbers become agents of measuring, of direction, of grasping something that is otherwise unspeakable but constantly present. Inflatable costumes from recycled materials become choreographers of movement, of (im)possible interactions with a world out of proportions, in which the performers are trying to situate themselves and their words, to make sense of it all.

If we understand human bodies as a volumen of numbers, then how can they position themselves in a world that heavily relies on numbers in creating meaning and value? What consequences (both real and also peformatively) does it have when numbers as signifiers increasingly lose their signified, when they are conflated and used in inflationary ways?

An experiment in choreographic writing, and counting is an attempt to capture states of motion, meaning and communication in a world that is increasingly difficult to count on. A performance inviting both the audience and the performers to enter a state of logical delirium, where 1+1 can equal 3, if only you are willing to believe in it.

Antje Cordes: Concept, performance & costume
Annu Koetter: Performance & artistic collaboration
Vicente Antunes Ramos: Dramaturgical collaboration, rehearsal direction
Till Bürgin: Sound & Composition
Amparo Lippek: Light
Mor Rife: Projections

Outside Eyes: Blanca Gomez Teràn, Carlos Franke, Lagha Ghavam, Barbara Krzoska, Micaela Odriozola, Morteza Zarei
Thank you to: Bojana Kunst, Xavier LeRoy & the PYWAW class, Nargess Behrouzian, Anna Lea Ourø

Funded by Hessische Theaterakademie.