On December 12, 2025, Cheers for Fears said goodbye with a showcase during west off at FFT Düsseldorf.
With interdisciplinary works from the fields of dance, lecture, music, and performance by BirteBaşak, Olga Karaseva, Indumati Das, and Bernice aka BeNice. Our sincere thanks to all the artists who performed that evening!
„FremdFreund“, collective BirteBaşak
“FremdFreund” combines dance and voice, language and movement. The emotional perception of a foreign language gives rise to physical expression that explores the tension between foreignness and familiarity. The piece invites the audience to experience empathy for the unknown and to take a fresh look at social and cultural encounters.
The BirteBaşak collective explores German-Turkish culture and investigates the intersection of language, movement, and identity. They come from backgrounds in contemporary dance and classical piano, but share a common fascination with folk music and traditional dance forms, as well as interdisciplinary performance art. With an interest in psychological connections, they observe how emotions and social communication shape our sense of belonging.
„How I Met the Internet“ by Olga Karaseva
“How I Met the Internet” is a monologue and a collage of several essays by young artists from North Rhine-Westphalia. They reflect on how the new technology that can unite the whole world has entered their lives. Olga Karaseva presents a poetic and rhythmic text structure that questions our memories and invites the audience to think about the connections and separations we want to maintain or sever in a modern network where information about every person is accessible to everyone.
Olga Karaseva (born in Moscow, Russia, in 1996) works in the fields of journalism, dramaturgy, and theater performance. She graduated from the Faculty of Journalism at Moscow State University and then from the Moscow Art Theater School, where she refined her skills in acting, dance, and performance. She is currently studying at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts and completing a master’s degree at the Academy for Theater and Digitality, where she focuses on new technologies in theater and art. Olga works in various genres of dramatic writing, directs performances, and is involved in physical theater and choreography.
„Two Birds on a Planet For One“ by Indumati Das
Experience the spiritually empowered Maddy “International” Morissons and her opponent in a “contemporary wrestling show.” Two Birds On a Planet for One presents a battle that addresses historical and current dilemmas of our colonized and capitalist world(s) over cake and more. In a globalized world where goods move more freely than people, what does this conflict tell us about our own desires and fears?
On stage, you will meet Indu, Sergio, Clara, and Maria (in order of appearance), as well as Benedikt at the mixing desk. Our practices are interdisciplinary and range from dance in institutional and community contexts to music and theater to translation, humanities, and social sciences. With this project, we are attempting to create an undisciplined work that combines contemporary theater and performance.
Konzert by BeNice
Bernice, also known as BeNice, is an up-and-coming artist from the Bochum who captivates audiences with her energetic performances. Crossing genres and languages, she combines dance, singing, and rap to create a unique stage experience. She is supported by two wonderful dancers, Linda and Alina—a creative team with power, expression, and genuine vibe.
all photos: studio pramudiya, @pramoediya
Cheers for Fears is sponsored by Kulturamt der Stadt Düsseldorf and GVL.