As an immersive performance and interdisciplinary installation, Immanent Mechanics explores Sufi rhythms and Samā movements as one embodied circuit. Instinctive dialogues between the rhythms of the Iranian frame drum daf and experimental, ritualised movements of Samá traces a timeless search for the immanent. Together with choreographer and dancer Vivian Assal Koohnavard. Premiered at Staatsballett & Deutsche Oper Berlin. Funded by The Swedish Arts Council and Malmö Stad. In collaboration with in-discourse studio.

“Immanent Mechanics was a personal highlight. The power and authenticity in contrast to the simplicity that Vincent and Vivian put into this special choreography really moved me and will remain in our memories for a long time to come”.

Michael Banzhaf, Head of Artistic Operations Staatsballett Berlin

“Vivian Assal Koohnavard… makes a strong impression with her solo performance “Immanent Mechanics.” To the live playing of the Daf drum by Vincent Bahar…reminiscent of the whirling dervishes, expressing her longing for freedom.”

Die Stimme Berlins

“An introspective and powerfully radiating presence. A sophisticated, artistically advanced dance performance to be remembered, for a long time.”

Danstidningen

Immanent Mechanics

Command; Improvise is an inquiry into the process of musical improvisation as it unfolds at the threshold between human and the non-human. In joint effort with composer and roboticist Fredrik Gran. Funded by The Swedish Arts Council and Malmö Stad and. Premiered at Inkonst 2024.

“Fredrik Gran and Vincent Bahar are breaking new ground in the interdisciplinary field between art, technology and the human role in an increasingly digital age with their pioneering project Command;Improvise – a world-unique exploration of musical improvisation between man and machine.
We will witness an unprecedented interchange between a human ensemble, a dance acrobat, and a robot, challenging and redefining the boundaries of artistic expression and technological innovation.”

Sydsvenskan

Command; Improvise

Parvaneh

Composition for Vivian Assal Koohnavard, Next Generation, Staatsballett Berlin & Deutsche Oper Berlin 2024. Light design Jonathan Apelbaum. Costume UY STUDIO.

Parvaneh means butterfly in Farsi and is a cherished name given to women in Iran. Drawing its metaphor from metamorphosis; the fragile, arduous passage from egg to larva, from pupa to imago, each stage besieged by obstacles before the butterfly finally takes flight, Parvaneh is dedicated to the women of Iran who gave their lives in the fight for freedom. For the simple and radical right to live as free women.

Staged in skin-toned bodysuits before shifting tableaux of colour, two dancers moved between "the mirror, the partner, and sometimes the enemy" — an effect likened to the trapped, clustered souls of Dante's Inferno.

Bachtrack