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A Night to Remember: Rooted Mini Festival at Acker Stadt Palast

Written by: Yu Bai


On Saturday, July 27th, Berlin was bathed in glitter and neon as Pride Month reached its dazzling climax. Amidst the city's revelry, I found myself at the heart of it all: Acker Stadt Palast, a local gem known for its top-notch theater performances. The occasion? The "Rooted Mini Festival", a series dedicated to showcasing Berlin-based artists, featuring three unique contemporary dance solos over two nights, presented by Apricot Productions under the guidance of Angela Fegers and Nadine Freisleben.


The Scene: A Buzzing Courtyard 


As I stepped into the festive grounds, a friendly atmosphere enveloped me. The courtyard was alive with a diverse crowd, spanning all ages, enjoying the summer night with drinks, smokes, and vibrant conversations. The anticipation was palpable as everyone waited for the stage doors to swing open.


Dominique McDougal's "Can": A Poetic Tribute

PC: Ralf Kokemueller


The evening kicked off with Dominique McDougal's "Can," a poetic performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Known for dancing with Sasha Waltz and Guests, Dominique showcased not only technical prowess but also an artistic depth that honored the cherished souls—family and friends—who had touched their life but departed too soon. The names of these loved ones were metaphorically carved into the space, creating an intimate connection with the full house audience, who found themselves both physically and emotionally touched. Humor was sprinkled with precision, offering relief from the deep emotional currents that ran through the performance. Phrases like "Self love is hard" and "I'm worthy of love, also to strangers" punctuated the choreography, adding layers of meaning to this autobiographical journey of maturity. The piece ended with a jubilant cheer from the audience as Dominique took a celebratory sip of beer, followed by a dramatic water bucket pour.


Pau Aran's "Seeking the Truth": A Spiritual Odyssey


PC: Ralf Kokemueller


Next up was Pau Aran with his solo "Seeking the Truth." Entering the stage with three stones, Pau carefully placed them to form a triangle, setting the stage for an exploration of frustration and rejection. Draped in a white long skirt, he moved with an energetic fluidity that was both spiritual and graceful. The accompanying music perfectly complemented each beat of his movements, leading the audience through a captivating artistic creation. The performance concluded with Pau disrobing, placing his clothes center stage, and tossing the stones atop them, leaving us to ponder the elusive truth each of us seeks.


Pamela Pietro's "La La La La": An Intimate Finale


PC: Ralf Kokemueller


The final act was Pamela Pietro's "La La La La" (working title). On stage, Pamela arranged five objects: a Glass Buddha, a Peace Stone, a photo of her Father, a Table, and a Plant. She gradually moved these objects closer to the audience, inviting us to question their significance. With theatrical flair, she danced in circles, interspersing her movements with occasional renditions of "lalalalalala." This whimsical and humorous piece, performed with effortless grace, eventually revealed the personal significance of the objects. Pamela's invitation for the audience to pass these objects around fostered an intimate dialogue, highlighting her willingness to share and allowing us the liberty to interpret her work. The Berlin audience responded with heartfelt praise, affirming the success of this touching performance.


A Night of Joy and Introspection

As the night drew to a close, joy and introspection lingered in the air. The audience, thoroughly appreciative, left with a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for the next edition of the Rooted Mini Festival. I, for one, can't wait to see what comes next!




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