In the ancient traditions of creating herbariums, plants were seen as organisms that can gift humans with knowledge, power to aid our perception and spiritual development, to heal us, nurture us, but also to harm or poison us.
Today, when a crises of vast scope is threatening the integrity of our social and ecological existence, there is a dire need to recognize the marginalized knowledge and remember our ancient spiritual relationship with plants, the sustainers of the conditions of life. To learn from them, heal through them and get inspired to act in the face of challenges.
Herbarium is a sensual experience, a performative space designed to explore the senses of smell, hearing and touch. It is a journey inward, into the heart of an ancient forest, where we can lose the anthropocentric perspective and discover the elusive life of flora, its precariousness, violability and its astonishing tenacity and capacity of survival. And most of all, to discover own own, non-normative, botanical pleasure.
Concept and direction: Aleksandra Jakubczak
Text and dramaturgy: Zuzanna Bojda
Scents and space: Przemek Branas
Music: Bartosz Dziadosz (Pleq)
Lights: Wojciech Sobolewski
Project manager: Hanna Behr
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE OPEN CALL WINNING AUTHORS/TEAMS BEFORE THE START OF THE REHEARSAL AND CREATIVE PROCESS
Why is the topic of Faith important (for you)?
The topic of faith to me is more of a reflection on spirituality and deep connection to the world. Through exploring nature I want to ask questions concerning the idea and role faith as spirituality can play for us (among other topics).
What do you know about the country / city where you are going to work?
Cologne is a bit of an unknown land for me, but as I am learning more about the city and its surroundings, I can see how my project can enter a dialogue with the city’s history (like its pioneer role in developing fragrances and perfumes) and its present.
What are you looking forward to in this project?
I am excited to be working with a completely new format and to explore the olfactory world and how it can be a tool for performing arts.
What inspires you the most (not only in art)?
In my work, I am driven by curiosity, and so the inspirations come from many different places. Right now, I would say I am inspired by the idea of creating sensual experiences for the audience and working with empathy, imagination and senses.