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Life is not always easy. But this is how we learn to understand ourselves better, and destigmatization helps us to talk more openly about our feelings. Mental health is currently a core theme in our society. More and more people are taking their mental health seriously and seeking ways to cope with our challenging times. They want to introduce more joy into their lives.
There is a constant interplay between darkness and light; they complement each other. One can only truly value happiness when one has experienced sadness. This self-reflection helps us to face life, with all its ups and downs, and to accept our feelings.
The show portrays not only brilliant highs, but also hidden depth in our psyche – a multi-layered theme that connects us all. Who are we, really, when we take an honest look at ourselves?
The show follows a composer, portrayed by Patrizio Ratto, known for his spectacular appearance on America’s Got Talent. He seeks the perfect melody. His journey is a metaphor for our own self-discovery and reflects how our personalities and emotions grow and develop throughout life. The composer battles with internal conflicts and finds himself suddenly caught between his conscious and unconscious self. This world literally takes him onto thin ice and allows him to encounter many different aspects of his complex subconscious. No two numbers are alike; he is left breathless by spectacular effects and performances. Sometimes he is part of them, sometimes he is overwhelmed by them. The constant search for his melody becomes a common theme throughout his journey and the show.
The show illustrates the full breadth of emotions – from noisy, urgent feelings to the quiet, frequently overlooked emotions that slumber deep in our subconscious. Happiness, pain, fear and love are all equally important for a fulfilled life. Even the demons and monsters that live within us are given space and recognition.
The musical acts also introduce their personal stories. The personal histories of the artists, such as those of rapper Stress, Marius Bear and Paloma Faith, lend the show emotional depth and turn it into a unique experience. Their tales of loss, depression and self-doubt, as well as love, hope and personal growth, show that on our journey through life we are not alone with our personal baggage.
The Art on Ice 2025 set design is intended to reflect our intricate personalities. Its inspiration was drawn from a self-portrait cut into ribbons.
The complexity of our personality
Different levels symbolise the highs and lows. Materials such as mirror foil, which can be found in both the stage and costume designs, reflect the light, but also the shadows, and can distort perceptions.
Sketch of the highs and lows at different levels
These elements all symbolise the various aspects of our selves – fragile, multi-faceted but ultimately unique.
Visualisation of the stage
Art on Ice 2025 is not just a show about emotions; it is an appeal to us all for the understanding to accept difficulties. We are all different – no one is perfect. And what would art be without imperfections? All the show’s performers are artists in their own way. Irrespective of whether you’re an athlete on the ice, on stage or as a musician – without highs there can be no lows.
In a meeting during preparations for the show, Stress spoke about how he had learned to cope with his inner demons. “If you can accept that these bad thoughts are just ghosts that come and go, then you can welcome them as a guest. You can seat them at your table and offer them something to drink. At some point they will have drunk your drink and will leave again.” This is exactly what we want to portray in the show. We hope you will like it and that you will even be able to take something away with you.
Marcella Camenzind is Head of Creation & Design at Art on Ice and has been part of the show department since 2015. The 43-year-old has a soft spot for animated films and comics and loves rummaging through flea markets. She finds inspiration and ideas for the show in music, films and podcasts.
