Ulay / Marina Abramovic "Positive Zero"

‘We are pleased to draw your attention to Positive Zero, the musical theatre production by Marina Abramovic and Uwe Laysiepen which premieres next month. Positive Zero, a sound-performance, signifies a first at tempt at theatrical expression of their ideas on creative energy. Sound, numbers and colour are the central elements in Positive Zero. Eight musicians (six Tibetan lamas and two Australian aborigines) provide the sound through vocal technique and instruments from their respective cultures. The space allotted for the performance is defined by the sound, while numbers and colour are related to emotions. Accompanying the musicians are eight performers representing different age groups. The collective effort demands a high level of concentration from the audience as well as those on stage. In this sense, the standard 'captivating' evening of theatre gives way to the dynamics of intense mental activity. Both [Abramovic and Ulay] have 'gathered' material for this performance during travels in Australia, New Zealand, India, Nepal and Tibet. The strong links with nature in these cultures inspired them to incorporate certain elements of spiritual activity into an artistic production. For both artists, the staging, before an audience, of traditional chanting and instrumental works adds impact to their ideas on inner activity - hence the presentation of Positive Zero in theatres throughout the Netherlands.’ (Press release De Appel) Locations and dates: Amsterdam, Carré Theatre 14 June: full performance 15 June: special 35-minute performance within live VPRO-television variety evening Attacks of Extremes, presented by Moniek Toebosch 16 June: full performance Utrecht, Vredenburg Music Center 19 June: full performance Rotterdam, De Doelen Concert Hall 21 June: full performance