What connects us to the people we are friends with? How long does a friendship last? And what distinguishes it from family, professional, or romantic relationships? Inspired by interviews with different people from Mülheim an der Ruhr and the surrounding area, three performers explore a special form of connection in Das Band. Freundschaft als Lebensform (UA) (The Bond: Friendship as a Way of Life): Friendship creates a unique kind of closeness and responsibility, of attention and love—not by chance, not out of obligation or expectation, but voluntarily and consciously. Perhaps this is where its utopian moment lies, its delicate yet radical power: as a mutually chosen anchor in the world, free from constraints, as a jointly practiced sense of belonging, it is a living counter-model to isolation and alienation.

The bond is a scenic plea for friendship and a tribute to the people who accompany, support, and uplift us, who wash our heads, tell us the truth, accept us, and celebrate us.

We cordially invite you to the premiere as part of a double feature with Kein Ort. Nirgends (No Place. Nowhere) on February 26 at 7 p.m.

On March 5 and March 13, we cordially invite you to a post-performance discussion after the show.

On all days of UTOPIE 2, you can also experience the audio installation Call from Friends in the foyer.

Double performances

The productions Das Band. Freundschaft als Lebensform (UA) and Kein Ort. Nirgends are connected. They were created in parallel, with the same actors and in a shared space, and can be seen both as double performances on one evening and as individual performances.

Premiere double feature: Thu, Feb. 26, 7 p.m.

Additional double feature dates: Sat, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. with post-performance discussion Fri, Mar. 6, 7:30 p.m. Fri, Mar. 20, 7:30 p.m.

A collaboration within the framework of vier.ruhr