Performance 2021 Premiere "Die Nähe der Ferne", Journey by carriage. From Wiepersdorf Castle to Berlin, 3 days_22.08 - 24.08.2021 Departure from the castle Wiepersdorf, 22.8.2021 at 14:00 h In the framework of the Artist in Residency Program of the Kulturstiftung Schloss Wiepersdorf , 1.6.-30.8.2021

Nezaket Ekici’s performance The Nearness of Distance (Die Nähe der Ferne) was developed at Wiepersdorf Castle and explores the long-distance relationship between Romantic-era writers Bettina and Achim von Arnim. On Sunday, August 22, 2021, Ekici departed the castle at the end of her residency and traveled back to Berlin by horse-drawn carriage—retracing the steps of Bettina von Arnim. The journey lasted three days, concluding in Berlin on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Wherever possible, the route followed the historical path described in the couple’s letters. To make the love between Bettina and Achim von Arnim more palpable, Ekici recited excerpts from their correspondence throughout the journey. Rather than traveling by car or train, Ekici chose a carriage deliberately, mirroring the travel methods of the von Arnims' time. In doing so, she physically and emotionally immersed herself in the experience, seeking to better understand the conditions and sentiments of the Romantic poet couple. She gets closer to the real life situation the romantic couple endured—contextualizing exactly what it means to lead a long-distance relationship and life, both 200 years ago and now. She stopped repeatedly to invite passersby to briefly accompany her on stretches of the trip, sharing the story and context of the performance. At its core, the performance reflects on the meaning of long-distance relationships—both 200 years ago and today. Ekici draws a personal connection to the project, as she herself lives in a long-distance relationship between Berlin and Stuttgart. The work is inspired by the courage, emotional intensity, and creative spirit with which Bettina and Achim von Arnim approached the world. (Text Edited: Jono Wang Chu)

Carriage, costume, voice tube, book: (Achim and Bettina in their letters. Correspondence of Achim von Arnim and Bettina Brentano. First and Second Book- Briefwechsel von Achim von Arnim und Bettina Brentano. Erster und Zweiter Band)

3 days

Idea, concept, performance: Nezaket Ekici Coachmen: Frank Nitzsche and Anke Fredrich Music /Piano: Nezaket Ekici Costumes design and costume cutting: Nezaket Ekici Camera/video editing:/videostill: Branka Pavlovic Photo: Andreas Dammertz