Berne
Edition 2026
Thomas Hauert and his company ZOO are known for their improvisation-based pieces and their incessant exploration of the plethora of movements the human body can execute. In his new solo «Troglodyte», Thomas Hauert now follows a creative impulse that already characterized the content of his last two creations: the psyche, emotions and the subconscious become the driving forces as well as the source of movement. The point of departure of this choreographic exploration is a kind of complex psychological riddle reflected in the subtitle of the solo – «Zaungast/Zaunkönig» (onlooker / wren, but literally «fence-guest / fence king» in German), referring to the position of the outsider. What does it mean to not belong? To observe from the sidelines or outside, as an onlooker? Hauert pursues this feeling of being an outsider, of not belonging, through means of dance and choreography. Before our eyes, a profound, powerful and sensitive exploration of this complex feeling unfolds.
The piece Troglodyte, Zaungast/Zaunkönig by ZOO/Thomas Hauert is part of the selection but will be presented only as a screening of the video recording of a show due to space-allocation reasons.
Following the screening, artist Thomas Hauert will speak with Simone Toendury, independent curator.