Sigmund Freud advocated the thesis that man is always subject to his innermost drives and incapable of any permanent rational action. His nephew Edward Bernays was fascinated by this thesis and constructed communication practices that became known as public relations. Linking products with our identities, we started worshipping them.
Replacing devotion to religion with devotion to consumption, this new kind of religion grew to be one of the main pillars of society. However, increasing social problems and climate change expose this model as unsustainable and bring to light a desocialized and selfish society. How will people find their inner peace in a sustainable world of tomorrow?
Replacing devotion to religion with devotion to consumption, this new kind of religion grew to be one of the main pillars of society. However, increasing social problems and climate change expose this model as unsustainable and bring to light a desocialized and selfish society. How will people find their inner peace in a sustainable world of tomorrow?
This performance shows the rite of passage of the renunciation rebellion, an antithesis to the religion of consumerism. In the course of the plot, the protagonist experiences a personal ascent in the midst of the community. The diary of the ascending one is burned. In the following rite, the ascendant will confess their sins and wash them away. Finally, they are granted the ceremonial garment, stride through the portal of waiver and put on the ascetic headpiece. They are now perceived as an equal member.
What do you buy? Why do you buy? What do you really need?
This project was created together with Stefan Schönauer, Leo Mühlfeld and Mia Tešić.
Video - Performance
Video - Studio
