Berghain, Techno and the Body Factory

Ethnography of a Club’s Regulars

Abstract

This research explores the sociological dimensions of Berghain—the iconic Berlin techno club—by focusing on its regular attendees and their shared experience of secrecy. The fieldwork-based study draws parallels between Berghain and ancient Bacchanalian rites, both spaces where social norms are suspended, allowing for a collective transformation of bodies and identities. It emphasizes the club’s “code of silence” as a vital element of the communal experience, creating a space where anonymity and discretion are key. Methodologically, Robin employs ethnographic methods, by combining qualitative interviews and participant observation sessions, immersing himself in the Berghain scene to understand how this secrecy fosters a sense of belonging among regulars and releases the body. This research also explores how the COVID 19 pandemic has reshaped the club's sociological contours, including shifts in the audience and the reinvention of the space. Overall, this study addresses how secrecy, rituals, and social dynamics at Berghain shape its audience's collective identity.