ROTINE MY ASS
(RESIDENCY PACT ZOLLVEREIN)

‘ROUTINE MY ASS’ is an immersive performance project for two performers and a visual artist. The piece explores the social media trend #thatgirl which often follows superficial practices and commercializes personal well-being. The digital extensions imitate oversized mobile phone screens, showing live streams from two interactive mobile phones, 3D scans, 3D animations and video recordings. The screens open up a further spatial-virtual level and can also be read as performers. ‘That girl’ gets up at 5am, journals every day, eats a vegan breakfast, works out and is doing elaborate skincare routines - all before “the real day” begins. This distinctly feminine storyline represents an inflated version of capitalist-driven self-improvement, masquerading as ‘self-care’. Using the methodological approaches of physical theatre and dance we explore routines in relation to productivity and effectiveness. 3D and live visual art create our digital costumes and stage sets in which our real bodies move and to which they relate. In addition to the deconstruction of the ‘that girl’ persona, we strive for empowerment, support and healing practices outside the individual self-optimisation mania. Creating a collective body of care that also implements inside our daily artistic practice.

Idea by Rebecca de Toro. Concept by Rebecca de Toro and Melli Geldner. Multimedia concept by Maria Kobylenko