Gesamtgewicht: in the ring with Heike Hennig
Heike Hennig's Gesamtgewicht, photo: Tom Schulze
The Theatre der Jungen Welt was full for the premiere of Heike Hennig’s “Gesamtgewicht”. What we saw was a thorough and often humorous examination of what it takes to be an actor, dancer or professional athlete. As we’ve come to expect from Heike’s work, the performers had to be multi-talented as we watched them weave text, action and dance together to discuss such topics as gender roles, injuries, time, effect on family.
Martin Klemm, Janina Köppen and Hong Nguyen Thai in Gesamtgewicht, photo: tom Schulze
The casting of believable people in the roles made the piece that much more dynamic. Each time I see Hong Nguyen I am more impressed. In Heike’s work he is allowed to cross one dimensionality and show us, not only his B-Boy expertise, but adapt it to contemporary dance and this time to show us a bit of his personality as well. Martin Klemm is so adaptable and had us in the palm of his hand using his command of his voice and body….sometimes with just a sharp cut of the eyes. Janina Köppen let us in on a big surprise, but I won’t spoil it for you. After the performance I think the audience felt close to the performers and to Heike. It was a very warm and personal look at something where we are usually only spectators.
a little friendly competition at Heike Hennig's Gesamtgewicht, photo: Tom Schulze
You have to act fast because there are only two more performances: Fri 22 and Sat 23 June.