Esther

Finding your own path, your own stance, but not being alone: The happy medium is often a life-threatening high-wire act. What happens to young people when they commit to a group? And how is the sense of community reflected in attitudes, dress codes and rituals?

Together with five professional performers aged between 25 and 55, choreographer and artist Reut Shemesh has observed the self-discovery process and identity development of young people. The need to belong and the group dynamics in youth communities are often in a state of tension. What identities are created by uniforms, symbols, behaviors and rituals? How influential is social class?

“Esther” shows how young people try to find a balance between conformity and individuality. During the research phase, Reut Shemesh already involved the project’s target group and worked with young people in Dresden, Munich, Hamburg and Potsdam.