bello benischauer ::: ABOUT Existence Theatre

The term EXISTENCE THEATRE, created by e. m eitelberger in 2012, defines a specific stream of recent artistic projects of AIP, which partly may remind and be associated with the Theatre of the Absurd and the Commedia dell'arte as well as depending on a strong experimental character by using methods of improvisation, resulting in video performances. This specific term grew out of the initial urge to describe and summarize recent work developed within the contextual framework of Contemporary Performance*, where the work process itself becomes the creative challenge through a continuing modification of existing work-methods of AIP and to activate new forms of artistic expression.
Transient performance acts are based on self-written text/dialogue and/or minimal dramatic instructions; filmed in front of the action-documenting camera and in private/intimate environment or public space. By Existence Theatre the meaning of existence is not solely addressing it as a time-based understanding of here and now (questioning the non-repeatable authenticity of performance art from a present-day perspective) but also involving the various facets of existence through a philosophical comprehension of identity and individualism in a globalized and multicultural society**.

*Contemporary Performance is elsewhere referred to describe the attempt of combining and working across different media and disciplines.

**Globalisation and pluralism should invite to create positive synergies in-between people, countries and cultures, rather than conceive them as a basis for conflict, driven by fear and resistance. AIP acclaims Multiculturalism as a movement to activate positive impact within society. It can enable people to extend their worldview by educating them about different cultures and their individualities. Still, cultural differences lead to many problems and misunderstandings within our various social environments and need to be addressed in sensible but also confronting ways. In their work (and particularly speaking about the work summarized under Existence Theatre) AIP try to initiate discussion to reconsider gridlocked opinions and behaviour patterns towards others by holding up a mirror to themselves as well as the people watching or participating in their work. It is probably a certain inclination to get people's attention through provocative actions but not always the most effective way to achieve change and therefore to conclude in an intellectual involvement that results in a positive understanding/resolving of discussed issues. However, AIP, who consider questions on a philosophical level, attempt to create work, which won't design a comfortable or pleasant situation for the viewer/participant. AIP believes that contemporary artists (whose work address socio-cultural issues) can only give direction to critical thinking through a demanding work process, in which they progressively insist that people must deal with their surroundings rather than to indulge in ignorance.

Der Begriff EXISTENCE THEATRE (= Existenz Theater), von AIP 2012 geschaffen, beschreibt eine spezielle, künstlerische Ausdrucksform jüngster AIP-Arbeiten.
Kurzlebige Performances, die auf selbst geschriebenen Texten/Dialogen und/oder minimalen dramaturgischen Anweisungen und Richtlinien basieren, werden vor der Kamera, die die Aktion dokumentiert, in privatem, abgeschirmten Umfeld oder aber im öffentlichen Raum aufgeführt.
Existence Theatre bedient sich des Begriffs Existenz nicht nur in seiner zeitlichen Bedeutung von Hier und Jetzt (indem die nicht wiederholbare Authentizität von Performancekunst unter gegenwärtiger Betrachtung in Frage gestellt wird), sondern adressiert verschiedene Facetten von Existenz durch eine philosophische Auseinandersetzung mit Identität und Individualismus in einer globalisierten und multikulturellen Gesellschaft.