MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels) was thrilled to present the world premiere of A HOLE IS A HOLE IS A HOLE IS, a bold and imaginative new performance created by Hamburg/Berlin-based artists Sappho Ton Bogataj, Christopher Ramm, and Marco Merenda.
This unique and reflective piece that ran from April 24- 26th at the MAI, invited audiences to take a seat at an unconventional dinner table—where heartfelt stories, humor, and movement came together in a celebration of identity, community, and growing older.
It was a creative and emotional journey that explored how different generations experience life, change, and connection in their own time and way.
Attendees were initially asked to pick a flower from a vase and then cast it onto the stage while saying goodbye to all preconceived notions of identity .
About the Show:
At the heart of A HOLE IS A HOLE IS A HOLE IS is a symbolic dinner party, where the performers invite the audience into a world that balances vulnerability and humor. It’s a safe space to share where stories unfold through movement, conversation, and music—blurring the lines between everyday rituals and performance.
The show dives into themes of aging, self-discovery, and belonging, offering moments of laughter and quiet reflection. Choreography mixes everyday gestures with expressive dance, gradually transforming the dinner table into a stage for storytelling and celebration.
The performance avoids traditional storytelling, instead embracing a fluid sense of time—where memories, hopes, and present-day realities exist side by side. Soundscapes inspired by nostalgic pop, grunge music, and experimental rhythms enhance the mood, creating a rich sensory experience.
An Invitation to Reflect:
Co-created over two years, the show reflects the artists’ own personal questions about identity, purpose, and growing up. The result is a piece that feels intimate, honest, and deeply human.
Meet the Artists:
- Sappho Ton Bogataj is a Berlin-based choreographer and dance artist known for their interdisciplinary work blending movement, storytelling, and improvisation.
- Christopher Ramm is a director and sound artist with a background in multimedia composition and immersive performance.
- Marco Merenda is a performance maker and dramaturg whose work bridges personal experience with universal themes.
Together, they’ve created a piece that honors the power of gathering, sharing stories, and finding joy in life’s transitions.
A HOLE IS A HOLE IS A HOLE IS
by Sappho Ton Bogataj, Christopher Ramm and Marco Merenda
A Dinner Party You Won’t Forget
Of Note: The show contains bright lights and loud sounds, and is intended for mature audiences only.
To learn more about the show and other up-coming productions at the MAI please visit : HERE