In materials science, stress is defined as the transformation/
deformation of a material through external force. During the performance center for holotropesomatic feelings, the audience experiences an attentiveness exercise. Adequately, a room is furnished in a way to stage recreation. It works as a protective space against the turmoil and hurry and bustle of the outside world and helps to transcend into a realm of momentary self-awareness, deceleration and standstill.

Parts of the piece consist of practices from the field of awareness training and meditation exercises. The audio piece starts with simple breathing and awareness exercises, followed by short passages of poetry, suggestions and spoken images. The piece itself can be understood as an intertwined form of poetry and eventually bordering on the level of a physical assault: participants get touched on a virtual level, delicately, intensively, tingling, warm, while the piece escalates into ambiguities about touching, relaxation and pleasure. It’s all about the imagination and the sense of shame of the audience as well as the relationship between physical and digital bodies.

The number of visitors is limited to 4 persons, attendance needs to be reserved in advance.  A small reception area is set up just outside the room where visitors will be welcomed by a gentle person. Upon arrival of all expected visitors, they are asked to step into the room. Upon entering, participants are advised to remove all heavy clothing, bags or purses, shoes and bulky accessory.

The air inside is fragranced with fresh mint. After laying down, another member of the welcoming staff assists to put on headphones positioned next to the chairs. After explaining that the audio piece will last fifteen minutes and that there will be no sudden or surprising noises or effects, the light is dimmed down, to an intensity where only a few warm spots are noticeable. After the end of the piece, the participants will be picked up and led out by the staff. A young, female member of staff tells a story about her personal loneliness in times of emotional overload while leading the members of the audience to their assigned lounge chair.