A dance procession that unmasks discrimination and colonial traditions

In this ritual dance performance of choreographer Zwoisy Mears-Clarke a masked group moves on slowly and rhythmically to the rhythm of the little bells attached to their colourful costumes. What begins as a procession through the streets grows into a collective experience that reduces the distance between people. Step by step Zwoisy unmasks age-old colonial traditions and frees the way for an inclusive society.

Inspired by German folkloristic parades of colourful and masked figures who chased away the winter demons- the so-called Narren and Perchten- the choreographer Zwoisy Mears-Clarke of Jamaican origin drives away colonialism and discrimination by this inclusive ritual. By showing the people behind the masks, Zwoisy openly questions who is welcome where and which bodies are (un)wanted in the public space. Erste Schritte zu den Schwellen is a soft but powerful invitation to pause and consider the boundaries we cross every day – geographically, socially or personally- and the people who have to find their way in this again and again.