Based in Zen Buddhism, “koans” are paradoxical riddles that provoke inquiry and engage the power of intuition. By demonstrating the limits of logic, a koan leads to discovery, healing, and, it is said, enlightenment.
As part of a residency project in partnership with 3Arts and UIC, TWELVE utilizes koans, and Greek mythology – the story of Herakles, who must complete 12 labors as penitence.
In these works the themes of penitence, forgiveness, language, and the roles they play in understanding and healing offer the audience a chance to reflect on the social constructs surrounding Madness.