Sofia Underground ?0?3

Ascension | 提升 | Възнесение

26 – 30 April 2023

The topic of the next edition of Bulgaria’s oldest event for performance art combines two interpretations of the same word.

The creative process can be selfish and narcissistic. It can be filled with the need to express oneself, but it becomes useful when it means something to people. What if art can heal bodies, cure souls, or clean thoughts? In this aspect, the word Ascension can be found in “Psychomagic”, Alejandro Jodorowsky’s famous healing art practices. Unconventional and provocative, educational, often very scandalous, but having a higher purpose – to heal and make life better.

Another interpretation of the word hints at the spiritual side of the topic. It revolves around the philosophical term “Satori”, the Japanese word for “comprehension, awakening, sudden enlightenment”. Coming from Zen-Buddhism, it is described by philosophers as a normal everyday feeling, but walking a span above ground. “Light as a feather and free as air”, one has a sudden realisation that we all are part of the same universe and cosmic energy, contrasting to the “Chinese dream” or dictatorial selfishness of the modern world. Can this mere feeling be translated and transmitted with performance art? How can we rise to a higher evolutional level as human beings? Is there a possibility for natural Satori in times like these?

The festival will unfold over the course of 5 days, presenting performances, lectures, sound art, dance projects and collaborations exploring new and exciting spaces in Sofia.