KINGX & QWEENS

Coproduction by Dschungel Wien & UNUSUAL BEINGS & Dance Revolution East Africa

PREMIERE 6. October 2023 DSCHUNGEL WIEN

"Rousing, brilliant, touching, moving and daring acrobatic dance theater performance“

(Heinz Wagner KIJUKU 8.10.23) 

What is a perfect life, a perfect body, a perfect origin? Joseph may not be able to walk without his crutches, but when he dances, he literally seems to fly. Maartje, on the other hand, is rather small and delicate but has the strength to climb the tallest trees, and Future has little money but a voice that makes the world around him ring. They are all the descendants of kings and queens. We go back to the old times when spirits were still connected to people and each was given a life task on the way - a gift and a burden - and it was the task of each individual to use it for his:her true happiness. For each and every one, like a king or queen, wears his:her crown in life.

A powerful dance piece for young people that explores boundaries.

Three dancers deal with their own African, Indonesian and European origins and the associated colonial history - inspired by the life and works of Jean-Michel Basquiat, who repeatedly used the three-pronged crown in his paintings as a symbol of self-empowerment, but also oppression. The crown as an expression of power and domination, dignity and respect. Conspicuously often Basquiat painted the crown on the head of people he admired - such as athletes, writers or musicians. 

All bodies on stage 

Especially for young people it is important to present other views of the body than the images of perfect bodies in social media. Fears and prejudices should be reduced and other images and attitude towards people with different disabilities, bodies and origins should be made possible. This also exposes wounds and these wounds imprint themselves deeply into the body and soul. It takes time to heal and to draw a new strength from it, which also requires empathy and patience. The performance gives an insight into different lives of people who are affected by exclusion and marginalization.

REVIEWS

“The performance that Maartje Pasman, Futurelove Sibanda and Joseph Tebandeke conjure up on stage is magical. Often unbelievable movements on the ground, on large blue water canisters, on - and with - poles and crutches. Inspired by the music created for it by Karrar Alsaadi.”
Heinz Wagner KIJUKU 8.10.23

“With the premiere of a brilliant dance piece, choreographer Corinne Eckenstein thrilled the young audience. Maartje Pasman,  Futurelove Sibanda and Joseph Tebandeke show stage presence and extreme body work. Recognizing one's own potential, self-confidence, individuality and a sense of community are taught.”
Ditta Rudle, TANZSCHRIFT  7.10.23

“Magical moments combine with comical scenes that will make you hold your breath.”
Ditta Rudle, TANZSCHRIFT  7.10.23

TEAM

Concept & Choreography: Corinne Eckenstein

Dancers: Maartje Pasman, Future Love Sibanda, Joseph Tebandeke
Music: Karrar Alsaedi

Set Design: Hannes Röbisch und Corinne Eckenstein 

Costume: Kareem Aladhami

Animation: Luciana Benicivenga

Outside eye: Livia Patrici (TANZKOMPLIZEN / Berlin)

Assistance: Sophie Freimüller

Fotocredits: Rainer Berson

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

2024 

25. - 26. January  PURPLE - International Dance Festival for Young Audiences, Berlin, Germany

11. - 13. June   DSCHUNGEL WIEN, Vienna Austria

         20. June  Bialystok Festival, Bialystok, Polen

04. - 11. December  TANZHAUS BASEL, Basel, Switzerland