The public art project „Tree River“ invites the people of Munich to experience their city anew through the eyes of trees. Trees are living beings, and as such they are part of the natural water cycle. They absorb water from the ground and release it into the atmosphere, where it becomes rain and snow, which falls into rivers and enters the groundwater and is eventually consumed by plants and animals, including humans. This journey of water molecules, in constant flow, inspires us to imagine how we as humans are connected to the natural world around us.
„Tree River“ turns seven listed trees in the city of Munich into witnesses and storytellers, who speak through a series of open-air marionette theatre performances about the interconnectedness of water and life. These performances are held next to the trees, which are located in various parts of the city. During 2 long weekends in June, people can gather to watch a performance at a pop-up theatre in front of one of the trees. The puppeteers and performers impersonating the tree, its species and the element water tell the story of the river of life, which flows through people, trees, soil, and the earth. Because the trees are growing in different areas, the storytelling always includes a water story from the tree’s own particular neighbourhood. Adapting to each tree’s unique character and surroundings, the play-form, a foldable steel structure creates an intimate, welcoming space where audiences can attend, standing behind, sitting on the grass, relax, and enjoy the performance.
„Tree River“ is a public art project developed and organized by OOZE (Eva Pfannes & Sylvain Hartenberg) and Marjetica Potrč. The artistic vision evolved through close collaboration with Michael Pietsch (Münchner Kammerspiele), who creates and performs the marionettes, and Kathrin Liess, who writes the play. OOZE and Marjetica Potrč direct the overall performance and concept, and designed the play-form structure.
Eva Pfannes & Sylvain Hartenberg, born in 1970 and 1968, live and work in Rotterdam.
Marjetica Potrč, born in 1953, lives in Ljubljana.
