The Oort Cloud. A vast expanse of space within the boundaries of the Solar System, stretching between the belt of asteroids and cosmic debris that surrounds our planetary system, the Kuiper belt, and the limits of the Sun’s gravitational influence. It has a radius of more than one light year or about one hundred thousand astronomical units, which equates to roughly one trillion kilometres.
Although it has been known to astronomers for almost a century, it is still considered HIPOTETICAL, because its existence has never been observed or proven. We infer it based on analytical thinking and observations of comets passing close to the Earth. It is astonishing that this gigantic space not far from the Earth is still considered hypothetical, considering the size of the galaxies and the universe and the advanced observational and cosmological research capabilities of our time, even though we have irrefutable evidence of the existence of Black Holes, infinitely distant nebulae and galaxies and even tiny Earth-like planets somewhere in the immensity of the cosmos. In this context, the Oort Cloud appears as an interesting metaphor for our imperfect human condition, confusion and stray perception. Gazing into the distance, fascinated by the unreal, the infinitely distant, we do not know and do not fully understand what is in fact right next door and not far away.
THE OORT CLOUD is an intimate solo performance by Alina Bachara directed by Marcin Herich, in which the hypothetical outer space of the title appears as a universal metaphor of refuge, personal Arcadia, a dream of a seemingly nearby, within reach, yet impossible and unattainable oasis of life’s peace, fulfilment and happiness.
script, direction, choreography, light design: Marcin Herich
collaboration on script and choreography, performs: Alina Bachara
texts: Alina Bachara and Marcin Herich
collaboration on space and light design: Cezary Kruszyna
costume design and production: Dorota Kleszcz
music: Darkstar, Paul Schütze, Social Interiors
The performance uses recordings of educational and popular science material taken from Internet resources.
The performance uses original sounds recorded during the Apollo 11 mission, from the NASA archives.
The performance uses the song ‘Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head’, performed by B.J. Thomas.
Duration of the performance: 45 minutes
Premiere: Teatr A Part, Katowice, 6, 7 and 9 March 2025
The performance was awarded in the TEATROGRANTY 2024 competition, organised by Katowice City of Gardens. Krystyna Bochenek Institution of Culture.
PRESENTATIONS
Teatr A Part, Katowice, 6, 7 and 9 March 2025
Teatr A Part, Katowice, 21 March 2025
Teatr A Part, Katowice, 7 and 8 June 2025 (International Performing Arts Festival A Part)
Teatr A Part, Katowice, 7 September 2025
Teatr A Part, Katowice, 27 September 2025 (Art in the Service of Spirit and Body)
Graphic: World Peace Flag by James William van Kirk, with an inscribed visualisation of the Oort Cloud.
Photos: Maciej Dziaczko, Agnieszka Seidel-Kożuch
open gallery view video
