Welcome to “The Circle of Truth,” an innovative event that intertwines theatre, music, dance, poetry, technology, and nightlife into a single, captivating experience. Inspired by Thomas Mann’s “Doctor Faustus,” this unique show unfolds in a spacious 3,000m² warehouse at NDSM. Visitors are taken on a 2.5-hour journey through eight distinct scenes, each crafted by a diverse group of talented artists who guide audiences through a transformative exploration of art and truth. The project is initiated by Chafik Benhmidouch and Xander Straat, who oversee and direct the overarching vision of the show.
Among these creators is Setareh Nafisi, a versatile artist who has not only created one of these scenes but also performs in three of them. Her work explores the deep connections between psychology and music, delving into the story of Adrian Leverkühn, the fictional composer from Mann’s narrative, who embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery. This exploration traverses various layers of the human mind, from our deepest desires and the reptilian brain to our pursuit of wisdom—a wisdom that is both catastrophic and beautiful. Setareh’s interpretation draws from the perspectives of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, who significantly influenced Thomas Mann.
The scene made by Setareh is divided into three chapters and spans approximately 17 minutes. The first part, inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, features extended piano, choreography, and a fixed audio track. The second part showcases choreography set to a piano piece, drawing influences from both minimalist and neo-romantic styles, reminiscent of Rachmaninov and Steve Reich. The transition to the third part introduces a more experimental sound with prepared piano, manipulated piano sound and electronic music, reminiscent of John Cage, and moves to the final section that merges a fixed audio track, blending new piano music and pop electronica, embellished by Setareh’s live vocal performance.
Setareh is a driving force behind her piece, showcasing her practice that intertwines music composition, human bodies, choreography, and designing immersive spaces for the audience to be a part of the art piece. The production also highlights other remarkable artists in various roles, including Leyla de Muynck and Margarida Constantino as dancers and performing artists, Sophia Simensky in scenography, Leo Knikman in sound design, and Bas Berensen in lighting design, each bringing their artistic vision to the scene
Setareh about this project:
We embody rhythm and arrhythmia, patterns and metamorphosis, as in Nietzsche’s dichotomy of the Apollonian and Dionysian. Caught in the enduring dance between desires and consciousness, we delve into our many layers—a dance of seeking, aimed at shedding light on our truest selves amidst continuous change
We are the synthesis of shadow and light, transforming pain into poetry, blindness into insight. Using patterns to navigate the intricacies of freedom and change, we move away from the repetitive circling to reach the spiral of infinite offerings—wisdom and light.
Our continuous journey of humanity stretches beyond the individual, embracing collective connectivity where science, numerology, spirituality, and art merge to illuminate our core.To orchestrate all this knowledge while embracing stillness at times, we don’t have much time to delve into lengthy depths. So, we trust that wisdom will find its way to enlighten others, the legacy of awakening kindness.
And I, Setareh Nafisi, call this activism. It’s about listening, understanding, and peeling away the layers to reveal the core of our shared humanity.
This inward voyage represents the only way forward, affirming our relentless pursuit of truth. It invites us to face our fears and welcome the perpetual transformation that shapes our existence.
Composers in the crosshairs of our attention