A friend from Berlin once warned me to always take earplugs to concerts or parties. Many DJs play loudly enough to harm your hearing, he said. Unfortunately, I ignored his advice before attending “Doom: House of Hope,” an intense performance by German artist Anne Imhof. I might have walked away with some ringing in my ears.
The experience at Park Avenue Armory was unlike any traditional event. The atmosphere was electric but also overwhelming. As we gathered with a thousand other spectators, we found ourselves held back by barriers. Expressionless performers soon made their way toward us, accompanied by a pounding electronic score. After a while, we were free to explore the vast 55,500-square-foot Drill Hall. But a word of advice: wear comfy shoes, as you’ll be on your feet for hours.
Inside the hall, two dozen shiny Cadillac Escalades awaited, each transformed into a stage for agile dancers and somber singers. The trunks became unique spaces for bars, tattoo stations, and even chess games. To follow the performance, you’ll find yourself chasing the artists around the SUV-filled spaces and onto different stages, occasionally peeking into dressing rooms. A giant scoreboard above counts down the evening’s duration: three hours to go.
“Doom” feels like a wild club night. You navigate through dark areas, losing track of your friends at times. The emotional highs can quickly dip into boredom. If you find yourself distracted, your phone is always there, reminding you that this distraction plays a significant role in the performance.
The show is full of contrasts. It oscillates between moments of high energy and stretches of tedium. It has a touch of narcissism and folly, yet it somehow holds more significance than many run-of-the-mill exhibitions. With around 40 performers, some muttering and others just staring blankly, they embody a youthful sense of nihilism. However, as the performance progresses, a remarkable transformation occurs in the third hour, even as many audience members leave. The performers find a grand purpose that feels profound and captivating.
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Art,Theater,Dancing,Imhof, Anne,Doom (Exhibit),Park Avenue Armory (Manhattan, NY),American Ballet Theater,Romeo and Juliet (Play)
