Mixed feelings in times of war: krudebude launches an art project at the Monument to the Battle of the Nations on 1 September

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From 1 to 20 September, the Leipzig-based collective krudebude invites the public to the Monument to the Battle of the Nations for the artistic intervention ‘Mixed Feelings in Times of War’. A banner, an audio walk and a programme of artistic events offer personal perspectives from Leipzig on a present shaped by war and crises. The project is taking place in cooperation with the Battle of the Nations Monument Foundation.

In the Bundestag, there is talk of a ‘turning point’: rearmament, the debate over the possible reintroduction of compulsory military service and growing fears of war are shaping public discourse. But what do these developments mean for us personally?

Through its intervention, krudebude explores this question and offers a counterpoint to lethargy and despondency: a banner challenges the familiar view of the monument and takes a stand against stagnation. At the heart of the project is a site-specific audio walk that highlights the ambivalent feelings experienced in times of war.

You will hear from residents of Leipzig who are affected in various ways by war and crisis. What causes fear? What gives us courage? And what unites us in uncertain times?

The intervention is framed by an artistic programme of events: the performance ‘Executing Dance’ by dance artist and choreographer Clara Sjölin will take place at the opening on Tuesday, 1 September at 6 pm and on 19 September at 4 pm.

On 6 September, the Radikalen Töchter will use the tools of action art in their ‘Courage Muscle’ workshop to inspire people to take action once more. The event will conclude on 20 September at 5 pm with the Leipzig choir ‘Wirsing’, which, under the slogan ‘I’m still standing’, invites everyone to join in a sing-along in the monument’s crypt.

Executing Dance

A choreographic score that sets bodies in motion. On 1 September as part of the opening and on 19 September at 4 pm; duration: approx. 20 minutes

The dance performance, developed by Clara Sjölin specifically for this project, explores the dynamics of control, discipline and collective action. Five dancers follow a sequence of predetermined instructions, continually testing their attention, spatial awareness and precision.

Without any prior rehearsal, they realise the choreographic score in real time: via headphones, they receive instructions which they translate into movement, each interpreting them individually – yet always in dialogue with the group. The performance plays with intention and interpretation and seeks to uncover the potential for complexity in information that initially appears unambiguous.

Choreography:
Clara Sjölin
Dancers:
Ildikó Tóth, David Kummer, Friederike Zinn, Niko Jacobi, Clara Sjölin

Clara Sjölin is a dance artist from Sweden who works in various local contexts in Leipzig in the fields of choreography and education. Among other things, she currently works as a dance teacher, choreographer and artistic director of the ‘Juniorcompany der Älteren’ at the Leipzig Dance Theatre.

I’m still standing! Sing-along concert with the ‘Wirsing’ choir

20 September, 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm

The intervention will draw to a close in high spirits with a communal activity: for the closing event, the Leipzig choir ‘Wirsing’, conducted by Magdalene Gööck, invites you to listen and sing along. The programme features songs that inspire and bring people together.

‘Wirsing’ brings people together to discover their own voices and enjoy musical encounters. The choir’s work is characterised by the choir director’s sensitive approach and movement-oriented methodology. The body and perception form the basis for singing together. The repertoire is diverse and open to different musical forms.

The choir has been in existence since August 2021 with a changing, welcoming line-up and is based in Leipzig. Wirsing has been, and continues to be, keenly involved in artistic contexts such as exhibition openings or performances in public spaces, most recently in ‘Raum – a performative intervention at Leipzig Central Station’ by Studio Urbanistan.

About krudebude

The krudebude is a Leipzig-based collective with a background in art and cultural studies. In its artistic work, the collective explores (urban) social themes through the lens of personal biographies and everyday history(ies).

The project is being realised with the support of the Völkerschlachtdenkmal Foundation, the Leipzig Cultural Office, the Leipzig Foundation, funding from the City of Leipzig’s South-East district budget, and tax revenue based on the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament.

Grand opening:

Tuesday, 1 September, 6.00 pm on the forecourt of the Monument to the Battle of the Nations.