Triadische

Triadische is the German adjective meaning triadic or threefold. In art history it is most closely associated with Triadische Ballett (Triadic Ballet), a stage work created by Oskar Schlemmer and produced by the Bauhaus in the early 1920s. The piece, first performed in 1922, is a seminal example of Bauhaus theatre and a key exploration of how form, function, and space interact through costume, choreography, and stage design.

The Triadic Ballet centers on the relationship between body, garment, and environment. Dancers wear geometric, modular costumes—often constructed from lightweight frames, fabric, and surfaces—that distort or abstract the human silhouette. Masks, headpieces, and differently shaped components create a sense of anonymous, sculptural form. Movement and light are choreographed to emphasize the plastic geometry of the bodies in space, inviting audiences to read form rather than personality.

The work is typically interpreted as an inquiry into how modern design can reframe human presence on stage, aligning with Bauhaus aims to merge art with everyday life. It reflects threefold principles—bodily presence, geometric form, and spatial perception—central to Schlemmer’s broader program of transforming performance into a total art experience.

Legacy: Triadische Ballett influenced theatre, choreography, and visual art by showing how costume and form can shape perception. It remains a touchstone in discussions of avant-garde performance and Bauhaus pedagogy, and has been revisited in reconstructions and exhibition installations in museums worldwide.