Alliance of International Production Houses

We live in a society driven by the idea of progress; democratic, scientific or technological progress. A progress meant to bring us all social justice, wealth and wellbeing, a new world or even a new planet. Nicoleta Esinencu’s new work delves into this idyllic idea, exposing its layers of violence.

The progress of the capitalist system that relentlessly develops new forms of exploitation and colonization. The progress of technology that controls and punishes but never protects nor supports. The progress of violence in the relations between the West and the East, violence that has definitely only flourished during the pandemic when in western societies own citizens were protected and migrant workers were exploited. The progress of a democracy where democratically taken political decisions tend to hit more and more the underprivileged communities and bring benefits to the ones in power.

Supported by the hammering sound of work tools and machine parts, Nicoleta Esinencu and her protagonists tell the story of the people of Eastern Europe who are forced to work under ignoble conditions in the west in order to survive. The performance draws upon the traditions of agit prop and “Lehrstücke” (didactic plays) and, using the motto “Enjoy Killjoy”, makes content-based references to theorists such as Sara Ahmed.

Since 2012 HAU Hebbel am Ufer is in continual collaboration with Nicoleta Esinencu and teatru-spălătorie, most recently in 2019 for the commissioned work and HAU production “Abolirea familiei / The Abolition of the Family”.

Performer: Artiom Zavadovsky, Doriana Talmazan, Kira Semionov / Technical development: Iulian Lungu, Neonil Roșca / Technik: Sergiu Iachimov / Production manager: Jana Penz / Technische Leitung HAU: Annette Becker / Sound HAU: Janis Klinkhammer / Licht HAU: Lea Schneidermann / Translation from Moldavian Romanian into German: Eva Ruth Wemme / Translation from Moldavian Romanian into English: Artiom Zavadovsky / Translation from Russian into German: Yvonne Griesel / Artistic consulting: Aenne Quiñones / Translation from Russian into English: Artiom Zavadovsky

Production: HAU Hebbel am Ufer und teatru-spălătorie. Co-production: FFT Düsseldorf, HELLERAU – Europäisches Zentrum der Künste Dresden, Rampe Stuttgart, Festival Theaterformen. Supported within the framework of the Alliance of International Production Houses by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.