Nobody is free until everyone is free.
Free Sudan, Free Palestine, Free Kongo, Free Haiti, Free them all.
Elizabeth Ward and Alix Eynaudi’s fabulations and research into the history and politics of dance have been shaping the Viennese scene for many years. Now the two choreographers are collaborating for the first time on a new stage work.
Together with dancer Ray Scheinecker, it doesn't go without saying (& other gossips) takes a closer look at US postmodern dance – not through history books, but through oral traditions of its lesser-known narratives. In particular, the life and work of choreographer, archivist, host, and catalyst in New York City’s downtown performance scene Cathy Weis, and the often overlooked influence of Authentic Movement, which she practiced.
With a particular focus on the auditory experience and in keeping with the spirit of oral history, the dances are carried by the voices, interviews, and vivid descriptions in Paul Kotal’s sound composition. Light by Lukas Kötz and a clothing collection by Isabelle Edi shape a performative landscape in which the dances unfold as a series of tributes. Movements meet gossip, raising questions about archives, accessibility, and collective memory.
A project by Alix Eynaudi, Elizabeth Ward On stage Alix Eynaudi, Elizabeth Ward, Ray Scheinecker Recording, sound design, composition Paul KotalClothing collection Isabelle Edi Light design Lukas Kötz The Duck & The Hand & The Black Dress An Breugelmans Voices Cathy Weis, Elizabeth Ward, Alix Eynaudi Video Danny Ward Production mollusca production Administration TAKELAGE Co-producers Tanzquartier Wien, Kaaitheater (Brussels)
The set of cards
Text Alix Eynaudi, Elizabeth Ward Graphic design Lukas Kötz Self-published by boîte de production, 2026 Recording of the German audio version Nathalie Rozanes
Residency partners Cathy Weis / WeisAcres (NYC), Bears in the Park (Vienna), Kunstencentrum BUDA (Kortrijk) With support from the Municipal Department of Cultural Affairs, Vienna, and the Austrian Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport (BMWKMS).
With thanks to the many who danced with us through this, knowingly or not – and to Lau Lukkarila, Ujjwal Kanishka Utkarsh, Serena Lee, Georg Döcker, Abigail Aleksander, Bram Coeman, Mathilde Villeneuve and Niels Bovri.