Dance
22.8.-25.8.2026
PACT Zollverein

An unpredictable encounter

This encounter takes shape in a minimalist, unyielding setting: a wooden floor, a wall, two chairs and a flickering neon light. There is no shelter in sight; the rest of the stage remains in darkness. Visibility here is a choice. Whoever wishes to meet the other must step into the light. 

What follows is not a classical duet, but a playful conversation in body language. RI TE revolves around an encounter without pre-arranged agreements. There is no attempt at fusion or reconciliation. Flamenco remains flamenco, performance remains performance. 

Yet reflections emerge. In timing, posture and detail, the performers recognise one another, like twins who see a resemblance but consciously maintain their distance. The choreography plays with attraction and repulsion, opening up and withdrawing. Movements begin and stop abruptly; gestures are initiated and then broken off. This results in an almost burlesque interplay in which humour and tension go hand in hand. 

Flamenco appears in fragments: a posture, a glance, an exclamation that lingers. A recurring moment forms the heart of the performance: ‘olé’ becomes physical release, after which the gesture immediately evokes its opposite. Attraction turns into resistance, not psychologically but physically. 

Produced by P.OR.K and IGalván Company. Commissioned by Théâtre de la Ville Paris – Festival d’Automne à Paris. With the support of Inaem Instituto Nacional de las Artes Escénicas y de la Música. Presented by Pact Zollverein for Ruhrtriennale.

  • Marlene Monteiro Freitas and Israel Galván in white jumpsuits face each other while dancing; Monteiro Freitas raises an arm while Galván leans sideways.
    © Laurent Philippe
  • A performer in a white jumpsuit moves in the foreground with arms extended; another person sits on a chair in the background.
    © Laurent Philippe
  • Marlene Monteiro Freitas and Israel Galván sit on chairs in front of a light wooden wall, gesturing with raised arms.
    © Laurent Philippe

Cast

  • Conceived and performed by
    • Marlene Monteiro Freitas,
    • Israel Galván
  • Visual Design
    • Yannick Fouassier
  • Sound and Technical Direction
    • Pedro León

Directions

PACT Zollverein
Bullmannaue 20a
45327 Essen

  • Public transport and Kombi-Ticket
  • Directions
  • Travelling by bike
  • Dates and Tickets
    August
    Sat 22.8.2026
    8 pm Dance PACT Zollverein
    First performance

    RI TE

    Israel Galván, Marlene Monteiro Freitas
    Sun 23.8.2026
    8 pm Dance PACT Zollverein

    RI TE

    Israel Galván, Marlene Monteiro Freitas
    Tue 25.8.2026
    8 pm Dance PACT Zollverein

    RI TE

    Israel Galván, Marlene Monteiro Freitas