With this new production, company Idem aims to address the topic of group behavior. How an individual behaves within a group or alone. How an individual’s behavior changes when they are firmly integrated into a group and the belonging goes so far that they give up their own identity, lose their essence, and adopt different “personalities” – both within the group and alone. These human processes are what the two choreographers want to showcase in a stage performance and implement choreographically.

It is astonishing to see how people can behave radically differently in groups or alone. When an individual identifies with the group, adopts its values, is part of a community, and the group feeling gives a temporary sense of existence, the individual may tend to forget themselves. They can even go so far as to become alienated. 

Humans are social beings who mostly belong to various groups: work, family, hobbies, religion, nationality, etc. Additionally, it is frightening to see how easily people can be pitted against each other. When an atmosphere of distrust, then denial, and finally exclusion of others sets in, it is difficult to reverse this. There have been and will always be tensions and conflicts between individuals, but when entire groups collide collectively, it often becomes irrational. Unfortunately, this refusal of the other is often instrumentalized. In many team sports, group behavior and conflicts that are directly related to competition are very clearly visible. Symbols of belonging to a specific team are ubiquitous. In sports, signs often become apparent as in war. The individuals are here: to defeat their opponents. The games take place in a specific location, in a “territory.” The goals are clearly defined: victory. As spectators, we watch the game like a fight, like a battle. A martial vocabulary is regularly used by both the audience and the commentators. The connection that the spectator has with their team is usually deep and unwavering. The irrational aspect of fans’ allegiance to their team challenges our character in many ways. For example, with rival football clubs, the rivalry exists long before today’s fans are even born. Nevertheless, they continue the conflict as if it were a tradition. Often, a conflict is associated with something negative or unpleasant. However, a conflict can also have positive aspects; for example, the perspective and viewpoint of group members can be broadened. A constructively resolved conflict can alleviate tensions within a group and even have a lasting stabilizing effect. This can strengthen the internal cohesion of the group.