Stage II

Cones of light dance, seeming to follow a choreographed rhythm across the stage's ceiling. Various spotlights affixed to the crossbeams roam through the audience and immerse the stage backdrop in an atmospheric play of light. The narrow horizontal frame used in Stage II shows only the ceiling of a stage where a concert is in progress. The actual event is blocked out, as is the sound. The viewer becomes irritated, as important information is being kept from him. Gradually, one begins to observe the light signals, to concentrate on the visible 'slice of stage'. Completely disconnected from the actually performance in progress, one simply watches the ballet of light. The silent picture generates a spatial distance between event and viewer on yet another level, which is further fostered by the black borders blocking out the edges of the scene. The work Stage II seduces us with silence. The viewer, induced to gaze longer at the remote play of light, is put into a contemplative mood. Stage II has a hypnotic, mesmerizing power. Its quality of being shown in passing gives it considerable power. (Katja Heckes)