Boglárka Börcsök – Andreas Bolm (DE): Figuring Age

Figuring Age is a transgenerational, immersive and haunting performance-installation set at the liminal space between film, dance and theater. In a fictional ghost séance visitors encounter three elderly dancers: Éva, Irén and Ágnes –aged between 90 and 101– were once part of the development of modern dance in Hungary in the 1930s. Based on recordings of the dancers filmed in their private homes, the artist duo has sculpted a meticulous choreography of embodiment that lets their protagonists return on stage through Börcsök’s body and voice.

Retracing how each of the women transformed their life and dance practice to survive the socio-political changes of the 20th century, the artists explore how resilience, silence and trauma are inscribed in the body and in the movement.

Based on their film "The Art of Movement", the performance continues the dialogue with Irén, Ágnes and Éva after their passing. Through the intimate setting and close interaction with the audience, „Figuring Age” aims to convey the continuing presence of the older dancers and invites visitors to encounter their own ghosts and reflect on aging and death.

The piece also engages the audience in contemplating censorship and cultural oppression, issues that are still very relevant today.