TANZ: Kiesecker | Hoess "THE TRUTH" (D)

TANZ Karlsruhe and ZKM present an innovative combination of live performance and video documentation.

THE TRUTH is the first mockumentary dance piece by the choreography duo KIESECKER | HOESS. Since 2019, Sarah Kiesecker and Dominik Hoess have been working on an equal, democratic way of working—their choreographic processes are characterized by intensive exchange, physical precision, and performative curiosity. Together, they develop a movement language that focuses on precision and synchronicity. Partnering and acrobatic elements are just as much a part of their collaborative work as unisonos and performative elements.
THE TRUTH explores the intersections of choreography, documentation, and authenticity. The audience experiences choreographic sequences, but also cinematic scenes projected onto the back wall that provide insights into the creative process.

The inspiration for the intended character of the piece comes from successful mockumentary series such as “The Office” or “Die Discounter.” The settings of these series are precarious and unimaginative. Tension arises from social upheavals that intensify from episode to episode. The main characters' severely distorted self-image is ironically displayed. In interviews, they boast about skills that they clearly do not possess in other scenes. Central themes are the Dunning-Kruger effect (blatant overconfidence) vs. impostor syndrome (self-doubt) – both phenomena that are particularly evident in the field of dance. Choreographic work as a highly complex (technical, craftsmanship, artistic, and social) field of activity places high demands on the resilience and self-efficacy of those involved. KH pursue the assumption that revealing the creative process to the audience reveals an exciting mix of circumstances.

The performers ask themselves the question of 'truth' – artistically, personally and socially – always with a touch of self-irony. Their intimate rehearsal processes become an integral part of the final performance, offering a condensed view of social interaction. These processes interweave with fictional narratives. This raises the question: What is staged and what is real? Given the sensational title, one might suspect a scandal that reveals an alternative truth.

The presence of an 'outside eye' plays a significant role: the camera during rehearsals and the audience during the performance. The camera documents, influences and restricts, becoming an actor in its own right. In the process, it becomes a sometimes judgmental presence. This hidden authority questions the gap between what happens in rehearsals and the accompanying statements by the choreographers. In interview scenes, the outside eye attempts to get to the bottom of the truth by asking uncomfortable questions.

The production reflects the interplay between life and art. Irony and seriousness coexist on equal terms. The focus is not just on stage aesthetics, but also on providing a critical reflection on the roles, expectations and conflicts within artistic teams.

Powerful plays from Baden-Württemberg.