Oxygen Debt

IDFA has visited many unusual locations in Amsterdam, but this is certainly our first time at the gym. Visitors gather in groups of 26 for a philosophical spinning class. Through his work, writer and theater maker Bart van de Woestijne creates spaces to think and experience in which he, together with the audience, attempts to grapple with life’s big questions.

Each participant receives a heart-rate monitor that is connected to a speaker, so everyone’s heartbeat can be heard loud and clear. And then you start pedaling, led by the seemingly tireless fitness instructor Luit Bakker. As the heartbeats predictably accelerate, and everyone approaches their physical limits, you inevitably find yourself contemplating deeper matters: movement and stillness, strength and vulnerability, the finite and the infinite. Can you accept that your body is uncontrollable? That it might not even be yours at all?

When attending, make sure to change into your sports gear at home and bring a water bottle. Shoes and a towel will be provided. The workout is suitable for most people.

IDFA DocLab and Over het IJ present the first try-outs of this piece.