Conclusion: Impact of de Zandwacht

de Zandwacht performance offers a rich and nuanced experience of trauma, resilience, and transformation. Through the interaction between the dancers, the space, and the audience, the feeling of "not being good enough" is communicated not only as a personal struggle but as something collective, experienced by all of us to varying degrees. The dancers embody the invisible traces of trauma, while the space itself contributes actively to the experience of the performance.

The movement of the audience around de Zandwacht creates an ever-changing perspective for the audience itself. This reflects the fragmented and layered nature of memory and perception, with the performance being experienced from different angles and views. It emphasizes the dynamic nature of trauma, which continuously manifests depending on context and interaction.

The work of Bessel van der Kolk (2015) on the reorganization of perceptions through trauma serves as an important foundation for this artistic approach. The dancers move from somatic explorations of tension, release, and imbalance, making the invisible traces of trauma tangible. Just as the wind constantly reshapes the sand in de Zandwacht, the experience of trauma transforms with every new perception and movement in the space.

Henri Lefebvre's (1974) view of space as a social product highlights that space is not just a passive context but plays an active role in the performance. de Zandwacht, a man-made structure shaped by natural elements, reflects this interaction between the makers, the space, and time. The space changes through the interaction of the dancers and the audience, symbolizing how we as humans deal with the layering of our experiences.

In summary, de Zandwacht offers a profound, physical experience of how trauma manifests and transforms. The work makes the impact of trauma tangible, not as an isolated phenomenon but as something we collectively experience and carry. By connecting the dancers, the space, and the audience, it creates a shared experience of vulnerability and resilience, encouraging reflection and dialogue.

Through movement and interaction with the space, the performance highlights the intersection of personal and collective struggles. It opens the door to a deeper understanding of human suffering, transformation, and resilience. By presenting these challenges as both personal and collective, the performance reflects on the interconnectedness of our experiences and the ways in which we all carry the weight of our shared and individual histories.