PASSING
PASSING is an outdoor walk-performance by Smadar Goshen, set at the memorial monument ‘Zeichen der Erinnerung’ in Stuttgart. This 30-minute piece corresponds with the history of the Israeli-German choreographer’s family, part of the Jewish community in Baden-Württemberg until their 1941 deportation to Riga.
The performance begins with a calm voice welcoming the audience through headphones, as they embark on a 30-minute walk from Pragfriedhof Station to the Gedenkstätte ‘Zeichen der Erinnerung’, in Stuttgart. Along the way, it offers reflections on legacy, family history, belonging, and the concept of ‘home’.
Goshen, who relocated from Israel to Stuttgart, discovered her great grandmother’s name on the memorial wall of ‘Zeichen der Erinnerung’ by chance. Three years later, she questions whether her move was fated or coincidental.
PASSING reveals her findings, the missing puzzle pieces in her family history and brings to life stories of characters of Stuttgart’s 1930s-1940s Jewish community. Inevitably, the piece raises questions and awareness for the topic of antisemitism and racism, back in the 2nd world war era and today. These narratives, shared via voiceover, are complemented by six dancers who express what words cannot.
The walk ends at ‘Zeichen der Erinnerung,’ inviting participants to explore the monument. Participation is free of charge. Donations are welcome and will be contributed towards the monument’s upkeep and further research.
Concept & choreography: Smadar Goshen
Performance: Johannes Blattner, Fabienne Deesker, Bar Gonen, Martina Gunkel, Selina Koch, Paco Ladrón de Guevara
Research & Dramaturgy: Kathrin Hildebrand
Music: ^tre by Nicolas Jaar, Farewell to All we Know by Matt Elliott, All night long I cried by Zelda Mishkovsky
Sound engineering: Oliver Cordes
Production: Lisa Ticar
Production assistance: Christine Koschel
Communication: Angela Milosevic
PASSING was funded by the state capital Stuttgart in the program “Kunst im öffentlichen Raum” and premiered as part of “Hidden Places – Stuttgart neu erzählt!”. A cooperation with the »Zeichen der Erinnerung e.V.« and Evangelischen Bildungszentrum Hospitalhof Stuttgart.
Pictures captured by Dominique Brewing and Frank Doelling.