echo & narziss is a computer-backed dance performance that attempts to translate the eternal legend about echo's futile love to narcissus to our contemporary artistic vocabulary.

the movements of the human performer - aleksandra janeva, playing the role of narcissus - are analyzed using open-source computer vision algorithms and a specifically developed framework that is also freely available.

the analysis results are transformed to an audiovisual representation of echo, whereby her ability to interpret the utterings offered to her is being executed by offstage performers - astrid schwarz, oliver maklott and daniel fischer, who control and tweak the analysis and resynthesis components.

by utilizing algorithms that act in near-realtime, the dancer is freed from the usual constraints imposed by the stubbornness of digital technology and enabled to improvise freely.

echo & narziss reflects methods of surveillance technology as a phenomenon of modern society and puts them in a new context to explore some archaic patterns of human behaviour.

echo & narziss was initially produced as the final project in daniel's studies of media art and design, and awarded a commendation by bauhaus-universität weimar.

the first (and up to now, only) performance was shown on may 19th, 2004 in gaswerk, weimar, as part of the diploma defense presentation. from (at least) a musical and dance perspective, that performance should be seen as a work in progress.

astrid was awarded the theodor körner preis for her further development of the composition (which is not reflected in the current documentation material).

we are all eager to continue working towards another performance, though a certain set of conditions have to be met. primarily, we need some time and space to rehearse. if you can and want to support the production, please do not hesitate to contact daniel.