Matters of Rhythm

(c) Mayra Wallraff

What is visual sound? In "Matters of Rhythm", Rita Mazza explores the composition of visual sound. Together with Hanna Kritten Tangsoo and inspired by the rhythms of sign language, Mazza delves into the relationship between body and light. Focusing on the dichotomies of nature and capitalism as well as circular and linear rhythms, they will develop movement and light choreographies that create music for the eyes.

Music is moving in waves. It travels through space and time. Light also travels in waves and needs a body to reflect. Light and bodies moving together through space and time are constantly creating a choreography of visual frequencies. In Matters of Rhythm, Rita Mazza explores this composition of visual sound driven by the rhythms of sign language. Together with light artist Hanna Kritten Tangsoo, Mazza develops movement and lighting choreographies that focus on the relationship between the body of the performer and the light as the source of movement. Inspired by Henri Lefebvre’s essay collection Rhythmanalysis and the work of visual artist Christine Sun Kim, Mazza and Kritten Tangsoo question how the dichotomies between nature and capitalism, between circular and linear rhythms, shape our movements. They explore how light and movement come together, communicate, interact, build a relationship and, in doing so, produce music for the eyes. Thus, every sound is a movement. And movements – organized in different shapes, patterns and tempi – form music.



Relaxed Performance + Pre-Show Access

All performances of Matters of Rhythm take place as Relaxed Performances. The format is aimed in particular at neurodivergent people (e.g. autistic people or people with Tourette), but also at all people for whom sitting still for long periods in the theatre (e.g. due to chronic pain) is a barrier. Movements and noises from the audience are explicitly welcome. From 30 minutes before the performance, Noa Winter (access dramaturge) will be available in the step-free entrance area next to the bar counter (entrance via a ramp to the right of the main entrance) to answer questions about the accessibility of the performance. Communication is possible in German and English (written and verbal) as well as in German sign language. 10 minutes before the performance begins, there will be an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the performance space together with Noa Winter and find a suitable seat.

Audio description

The last performance of "Matters of Rhythm" on 25.02.24 will also be offered with a German audio description. There will be a live description of the visual events on stage so that blind and visually impaired visitors can experience them via headphones. In addition, one hour before the performance begins, there will be a tactile tour with audio descriptor Gina Jeske and Rita Mazza, during which visitors can familiarise themselves with the stage set and props. The meeting point for this is also next to the bar counter at the back right of the foyer.
Please reserve headsets and seats at the theatre box office up to 72 hours before the performance.

Seating options + Early Boarding

There is free choice of seats. Please note, however, that not all seats are equally suitable for a Relaxed Performance experience. As the rows of seats are very narrow, we recommend that all those who require the greatest possible freedom of movement take a seat on the edge or one of the four beanbag seats in the front row. Due to the characteristics of the venue, only beanbag seats that are accessible via steps can be offered. Step-free accessible seats for wheelchair users are available upon prior booking. The remaining rows of seats have upholstered folding seats without armrests and are only accessible via steps. Please make use of the Early Boarding 10 minutes before the performance begins if you require a specific seat or make a reservation in advance with the theatre box office.

Sensory triggers

The show works with different light patterns, intensities and rhythms. The lighting choreography includes: several moving light objects, pulsating and sometimes flickering lights, brighter and darker scenes as well as a variety of intense colours. The show is very quiet, no music or spoken language will be used throughout the performance.