The Greenhouse

A Symbiotic Ecosystem of Movement and Matter

The Greenhouse is an ambitious multidisciplinary performance combining contemporary dance, physical/object theatre, and stage design to challenge audiences to reflect on coexistence, communication, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Running time - 1 Hour 5 minutes

Premiere - 14.05.2025 - Theater im Pumpenhaus, Münster (DE)

Funded by Stadt Münster, Co-produced by Theater im Pumpenhaus, Residency space provided by Kloster Bentlage

Video Links

Team

The Greenhouse was created and sustained by the collective dedication of all involved, where contributions often reached far beyond the bounds of assigned roles

Director: Emilio H. Díaz Abregú

Concept development/Choreography: Jack Widdowson

Production management: Charlie Petersen

Stage, light and puppet design: Emilio H. Díaz Abregú

Performers: Viva Foster, Jessica Akers, Jack Widdowson

Apprentice: Hanna Sponer

Sound operator: Enno Oldenbüttel

Photography: Meike Reiners, Aorta Besler, Mario Soose

Videography: Lioba Schmidt, Mustafa Khalaf

Concept

"The Greenhouse" is a multidisciplinary theatrical experience that invites audiences into a captivating, evolving world where the boundaries between nature, human ingenuity, and discarded remnants dissolve. This innovative production weaves together contemporary dance, physical theatre, and object theatre (puppetry) to create a richly layered tapestry of movement, emotion, and meaning.

At the heart of the piece lies an immersive, garden-like environment—a living paradox where a dystopian ecosystem thrives amidst humanity's waste. the space is inhabited by three performers alongside several puppets all tending to this unique greenhouse in their own distinct way. The lines between performer and puppet blur as gestures and intentions flow seamlessly, fostering a fragile choreography of coexistence rather than dominance. The audience is offered a voyeuristic glimpse into this world, oscillating between utopia and dystopia, where every subtle action contributes to a delicate and poetic balance.

"The Greenhouse" delves into themes of communication, coexistence, and interdependence among disparate beings. It explores a utopian vision of harmonious ecosystems that transcend language barriers, while simultaneously confronting the complexities and challenges inherent in such interconnectedness. The narrative unfolds through non-linear storytelling, blurring the lines between reality and the fantasy.

Through evocative movement, tactile interactions, and innovative spatial design, "The Greenhouse" transforms the stage into a breathing organism. It offers a unique, thought-provoking experience that lingers, prompting reflection on our shared responsibility to cultivate coexistence.

Sustainable Design

The stage is built entirely from repurposed cardboard. Six ROOM IN A BOX ‘GRID’ tables, crafted from recycled material, form a stable and adaptable base for our modular scenography. Around them, a landscape of cardboard elements unfolds: sheets and boxes sourced from street corners, bike shops, and leftover moving materials, all reimagined into a living, breathing environment. This layered approach to design reflects The Greenhouse’s core values, transforming waste into beauty, and imagining new ecosystems from what we leave behind.