HeadSpace is a dance piece that delves into the complex and often misunderstood experience of schizophrenia and psychosis. It takes the audience on a journey to the very edge of reality, where the line between the tangible world and the fragmented realm of the mind blurs. At this crossroads, both the dancers and the audience are invited to witness the unsettling and surreal landscape of the psyche, where imagination struggles to find stable ground. With a belt around the waist, we leave the room to find reality.

The work not only aims to provide insight into the mental experience of those living with schizophrenia, but it also seeks to address and challenge the stigma that surrounds mental illness in society. Through the choreography, the piece explores how the mind can become a disorienting maze, where reality and delusion intertwine, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. 

Choreographer Mari Vittradotter aspires to create an intimate, empathetic experience for the audience—one that brings them closer to understanding the invisible struggles faced by those living with psychosis. The piece invites viewers to see through the eyes of someone experiencing a fractured sense of reality, offering new perspectives on how the brain perceives and interacts with the world.

By placing emphasis on empathy, connection, and shared experience, “HeadSpace” opens a dialogue about mental health that transcends stereotypes. It encourages a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human mind, fostering compassion, and offering a chance to explore the mysteries of consciousness. Ultimately, the work aims to offer not only an emotional experience, but also a shift in perspective—one that helps to break down the barriers between those who suffer from mental illness and those who do not.

Premiere at Atalante, nov 2022. Further performed at Fringe Gothenburg 2023 – Winner of Hot Potato Show Award

Choreography: Mari Vittradotter
Dance: Sara Axelsson, Unni Britta Kangas, Janni Groenwold Tschanz, Hannah Karlsson
Light design: Sandra Liscano, Viktor Wendin, Mari Vittradotter
Scenography: Mari Vittradotter
Film: Mari Vittradotter
Photography: André Zackrisson, Uros Hocevar, Mari Vittradotter

Residency: Riksteatern’s Production Residency, Atalante, Scenkonst Gerlesborg, 

Supported by: City of Gothenburg, Schizophrenia Association, Ivra Kurser, Spinn