Imre Vass – RELAX [2023]
Are we aware of what we are stressing about? What material and immaterial tools are available to us to relax?
This performance is a mirror, a diagnostic tool in our hands. It invites us into a reflective space where we can take a closer look at our physiological and mental, individual and collective rigidities and stucknesses. We can fathom our defence mechanisms and response patterns, imagine what our lives would be like if we were able to respond to situations that generate external and internal tension in a relaxed state of consciousness.
Our lifestyle, the digital environment and world events keep us in a constant state of physical and nervous activity, with stress pouring in from all directions. While we are in a constant state of tension, we are also under pressure to relax completely. The culture of relaxation and rest is also permeated by the idea of productivity, encouraging us to spend our leisure time in the most useful and active way possible. Instead of resting, we often choose to have fun – remaining active participants in the consumption cycle – depriving ourselves of relaxation and recharging.
Relaxation is a state of mind and body free of tension and anxiety. Relaxation of body and mind together is necessary for the body to cope with everyday stress. Being able to relax, however, is only the first step in releasing recurring (chronic) tensions, in working with inhibitory behavioural patterns.
Choreographer, director: Imre Vass
Performers, creators: Júlia Gaál-Kovács, Luca Kancsó, András Molnár, Csilla Nagy, Imre Vass
Composer: András Molnár
Light: Kata Dézsi
Costume: Kudron Anna Pinkponilo
Film: Máté Kőrösi
Animation, projection: Gábor Karcis
Set design: Imre Vass
Graphics: Csató Czenge
Photo: János R. Szabó
Special thanks to: Viktória Kaslik, Patrik Kelemen, Bence Kovács
Production manager: Brigitta Kovács
Parter: Workshop Foundation
Co-production partner: Katlan Group, Trafó House of Contemporary Arts
Support: Life Long Burning, European Union Creative Europe Program, Budapest Capital City
Municipality, Füge Production, Staféta, Ministry of Human Resources, Ministry of Culture and Innovation, National Cultural Fund, New Performing Arts Foundation, Visegrad Fund, Stages.
Imre Vass is a supported artist of the Creative Europe – Life Long Burning – Creative Crossroads program of the European Union.
The production took place within the framework of the Staféta program announced by the Budapest Municipality.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
