Jane Mumford

Oh, the youth! Wouldn't we all like to be 16 years old again? No, not all of us. Jane Mumford would rather not. She's never been one for romantic coming-of-age stories. After all, what could be romantic about a time full of pimples, excessive demands and pressure to perform? As a child, the world still seemed magical to her, but as soon as she left elementary school, her world consisted only of tedious things like: Wanting to be cool, belonging, keeping up, finding the love of your life... and at some point you have to achieve something before you die! So much to do! The journey from child to "adult" (whatever that means) is what we call our teenage years, and they are full of dangers. For example, not being invited to the right party. Or listening to the wrong band. Jane Mumford therefore spent her teenage years alone and withdrawn as a tap-dancing gothic rocker because she was overwhelmed. Because the only thing that helps against the fear of not belonging is not wanting to be there in the first place! Ha! Loneliness as self-empowerment! And maybe she never quite grew out of this teenage existence? Because sometimes she still catches herself trying to be "cool" and feels really uncool. And then all the self-doubt, world-weariness and "overthinking" come thundering back at her - just like in the good old teenage days... in the very, very dark shadows of the night.

Directed by Nicole Knuth
Editing Manuel Gübeli
Choreography Daniel Borak

Picture: Sabine Boesch