25km is a site-specific project inspired by the city of Eleusis. Four women follow the steps of Ancient Greeks and walk in silence for 25 kilometers in search of new personal and collective meanings.

Eliane Roumié started her artistic research into the concept of the Ritual by wandering through the city of Eleusis, a place historically linked to the elevation of the spirit as well as the destruction of nature.

At this very place, thousands of years ago, ancient Greeks celebrated the Eleusinian Mysteries in honor of the goddess Demeter and Persephone. Although the Mysteries were one of the most prestigious religious ceremonies in Ancient Greece, their focus was not the Gods but human. A notable part of the Mysteries was the Procession of nearly 10.000 people which followed the Sacred Way from Athens to Eleusis to pursue a new, enriched life devoid of fear.

The project focuses on the immense experience provided by a long walking route and further explores ways in which such a practice can be translated into dance. 25km consists of an artistic documentary, an artistic map, and a dance performance.

The emotion of anticipation felt at the starting point, the ephemeral contact with nature, the need for catharsis, and the prolonged anticipation of arrival, all represent aspects of the piece’s extensive research and form the basis for the composition of 25km’s collective ritual.