Stefan Kaegi (Rimini Protokoll) mit Sasha Waltz & Guests

“Spiegelneuronen” (Mirror Neurons) is an experiment. A new one in every performance. It explores the human brain and its relationship to the body. The audience is an essential part of this experiment: invited not only to observe dance movement, but to move themselves – as active participants in a shared system, as part of a larger brain.

A mirror replaces the stage. It reflects not only the dancers, but – like a gigantic selfie – the entire audience seated on the tribune. The auditorium becomes the main site of action. In exchange with the dancers, the audience moves to the center of the choreography, embodies images, and contributes to the unfolding of the piece. Through the mirror, viewers see themselves and others as they watch the experiment of which they are the focus.

The documentary-based research draws on perspectives from neuroscience, biology, sociology, and AI – made tangible in a sound collage that can be heard, experienced, perhaps even anticipated or disrupted. The relationship between the individual and the larger whole invites audiences into a physical reflection on society – on a democratic version of a hyper-organism.

“Spiegelneuronen” is the first collaboration between Sasha Waltz & Guests and director Stefan Kaegi (Rimini Protokoll). With this work, the Berlin-based dance company continues its openness to new artistic signatures and its ongoing interest in artistic research and interdisciplinary collaboration with international artists.