When Life is Silent
Photographer: © enScène by Claudia Toggweiler
When Life is Silent is an experimental dance feature film that explores early European modern dance.
Set in Ticino, the film traces locations that once brought together influential figures such as European modern dance pioneers Mary Wigman and Rudolf Laban, alongside poet and novelist Hermann Hesse. These individuals converged at sites including, in particular, the iconic Monte Verità in Ascona, creating a unique cultural crossroads that laid the groundwork for avant-garde movements intertwining philosophy, psychology, and the arts.
Embracing practices such as dance, vegetarianism, and living in harmony with nature, these communities reflected pacifist and libertarian ideals as they sought to respond to the challenges of industrialisation, urbanisation, and deepening social divides. The choreography reflects on this history through today’s lens, exploring how the political and social struggles of their time continue to manifest in new forms.
Guided by Mary Wigman’s writings, When Life is Silent illuminates the dancers’ experiences and celebrates the enduring significance of artists and their communities.
Team:
Writer & Director: Áine Stapleton
Performers: Dance artists Meggie Blankschyn, Grace Cuny, Magdalena Górnikiewicz, Lucia Gugerli, Pierre Piton, Mufutau Yusuf
Choreography: Scored by Áine Stapleton, adapted and formed in collaboration with the performers
Director of Photography: Will Humphris
Editor: Mirella Nüesch
Costume: Design Karin Jud
Narrator: Aenne Barr
Composer: Jürgen Simpson
Additional: Music Current Joys
Sound Design & Mix: Steve Maher
Postproduction: Rebecca Siegfried
Colourist: Peter Guyer
VFX: Brigae Haelg
B-Roll: Grischa Schmitz, Knut Schmitz
Producer & Locations: Áine Stapleton
Production Assistant for filming: Nathalie Jelmini
Lighting Operator in Theatre: Enea Rigamonti
Funded by: The Arts Council of Ireland and Wicklow County Arts Office Strategic Project Awards 2024.
Facilitation Support: Tanzhaus Zürich, Ticino Film Commission, and Mermaid Arts Centre Ireland.
Research Development: Kindly supported by an Artist Residency with Monte Verità Foundation.
