25km is a site-specific project inspired by the city of Eleusis. Eliane Roumié started her artistic research into the concept of the Ritual by wandering through the city of Eleusis. At this very place, thousands of years ago, ancient Greeks celebrated the Eleusinian Mysteries in honor of the goddess Demeter and Persephone. The Mysteries were among the most prestigious religious ceremonies in Ancient Greece and their focus was not the Gods but human. A notable part of the Mysteries was the Procession, where participants traveled along the Sacred Way from Athens to Eleusis to pursue a new, enriched life devoid of fear.

Four women follow the steps of Ancient Greeks and walk in silence for 25 kilometers in search of new personal and collective meanings. The project centers on the profound experience of a long walking journey, which is then transformed into an artistic documentary, a visual map, and a dance performance.

The anticipation of departure, the fleeting connection with nature, the need to purify the body and soul reflect aspects of the project’s thorough research and serve as the foundation for the composition of 25km’s collective ritual.