Exploring Beauty and Decay at Ruhrtriennale’s ‘I Want Absolute Beauty’

Exploring the Quest for Beauty at Ruhrtriennale

“I Want Absolute Beauty” serves as both the title and the mission statement for the opening production of this year’s Ruhrtriennale, one of Germany’s most significant arts festivals. Set against the backdrop of the Ruhr region, known for its former industrial glory, the event transforms massive power plants and abandoned steelworks into spaces for artistic exploration. While these locations are not typically associated with beauty, the festival has consistently aimed to reveal the sublime that can emerge from the remnants of industrialization.

During the opening weekend, I was captivated by the juxtaposition of beauty and decay that permeated the festival. This summer marks the beginning of a new chapter under the leadership of renowned Belgian theater director Ivo van Hove, whose vision for the festival commenced with the performance of “I Want Absolute Beauty.” This captivating piece features a curated selection of songs by the acclaimed English singer-songwriter P.J. Harvey and is brought to life by the exceptional German actress Sandra Hüller at the Jahrhunderthalle, a repurposed power station located in Bochum.

Hüller, who gained critical acclaim for her Academy Award-nominated role in “Anatomy of a Fall,” delivers a raw and powerful interpretation of 26 of Harvey’s songs, supported by a four-member band. The performance spans an intense hour and a half without intermission, showcasing Hüller’s vocal prowess and emotional range. Rather than adopting a narrative structure typical of jukebox musicals, van Hove allows the audience to embark on an evocative journey through the song titles — from “Dorset” to “London” and “New York” — which are displayed on a screen alongside live and pre-recorded video projections.

The stage itself is transformed into a visceral landscape, covered in dirt, where dancers from the collective (La)Horde move with a primal energy around Hüller. Their choreography is both earthy and elemental, oscillating between moments of joy and liberation, and darker undertones that suggest themes of menace and sexual violence. Hüller remains the focal point of the performance, her voice exuding strength while also revealing layers of vulnerability. In some moments, she joins the dancers in their raw, instinctual movements, creating an exhilarating atmosphere that can also feel overwhelming.

Despite the high caliber of the artistry on display, there are times when the performance risks losing its audience’s focus. The experience is intermittently jolted back to life by sudden crescendos or blinding flashes of light, designed to capture attention and re-engage spectators. Ultimately, “I Want Absolute Beauty” encapsulates the struggle of finding beauty amid chaos, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of art and existence.