Politics of Ecstasy 

2009

Ecstasy -­‐ the physical experience of intense joy, the simultaneity of being present and absent -­‐ was the central theme of the festival at the Hebbel am Ufer. "Politics of Ecstasy" presented a variety of positions based on the theme of ecstasy from the fields of dance, performance, fine arts, and music, and accompanied these with discussions, workshops and a series of improvisation events. Until the 19th century the concept of ecstasy was firmly rooted in the religious sphere. As a result of secularization and psychoanalytical research, people began equating ecstasy with the realm of sexuality. Yet the political arena has and still does exploit emotionally‐charged moments which can often culminate in ecstasy. "Politics of Ecstasy" sought to experiment with new forms of community building and test their ecstatic qualities. We sought to cultivate a temporary community and avoid the typical “show and go” mentality of most festivals. The HAU 2 served as our festival center and became a platform for ecstatic experiences. Lectures, concerts, dinners, improvisations and kick-ass parties took place there, we welcomed artists and festival guests in a comfortable and stimulating environment to meet and exchange and experience their own ecstasy.

Performance: Ami Garmon, Jared Gradinger, Hermann Heisig, Adam Linder, Stephanie Maher, Nicola Mascia, Anja Müller, Maria F. Scaroni, Anja Sielaff, Meg Stuart, Jeremy Wade, Frank James Willens, Matan Zamir

Live music: Jochen Arbeit, Alexandra von Bolz'n, Brendan Dougherty, Greg Haines, Guido Henneböhl, Aaron Meicht, Keith O'Brien, Fritz Welch, Jeremy Woodruff