Zimmermann & de Perrot

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Awarded

Zimmermann & de Perrot: Martin Zimmermann / Dimitri de Perrot

'Gaff Aff'

Scenography

Jury report

A Small World
Dimitri de Perrot and Martin Zimmermann have been working closely together for over 10 years. Their stage productions are created through a constant and animated dialogue. They create the stage design together; it forms the core starting point for the subsequent creation of the music and choreography. Dimitri de Perrot, musician and composer, creates the highly rhythmic and contemporary soundscape of the shows, and Martin Zimmermann, circus artist, develops the choreography. The stage design acts as the juggling material they play with.
The current show 'Gaff Aff' is set on a small stage shaped like an oversized record player. The character (Martin Zimmermann), looking neat in his suit, carrying his briefcase, mimes the trials and tribulations of modern life. From the backdrop, a packing box with mass consumption items printed on it, he pulls out all sorts of things: a folding chair with a chair, a lamp and a coat-hanger, creating a small, intimate living space. That character, moving to the rhythm of the music and then flitting between mobile phone and television set seems on the verge of madness one minute and completely calm the next.
The show explores the question of how important packaging is in relation to the content. The way the actor interacts with the packaging material is astounding and persuasive in how it scintillates with creativity. The universe created with the stage design, the sound, acting and lighting creates a dense, atmospheric, poetic unity. The skilful play with allusions questions contemporary behaviours and ways of life and takes them to the point of absurdity. The pair are being honoured for their stage design, their inventiveness and their highly innovative and interdisciplinary working methods.
Aurelia Müller