Perel

Life (Un)Worthy of Life: A Queer Dis/Crip Talkshow

Relaxed performance
German sign language

Afterwards: After-care session

  • Performance
German Sign Language /  English /  English audio description /  approx. 120 Min.
Photo of Perel with microphone in hand

The queer, disabled, interdisciplinary artist Perel invites us to a “humorous” late-night talk-show and creates a space for the audience to share their stories. “Life (Un) Worthy of Life: A Queer Dis/Crip Talkshow” is a monologue-based performance to discuss the intersection of historic atrocities between the Shoah and the Aktion T4 Program. At an early age as the only Jewish child in a small American town, Perel was asked to explain the Holocaust to others in history class. But what is often missing in historical narratives to this day is the perspective of people with disabilities. While Perel can describe the experience of difference based on this part of identity, what’s missing is the information to be able to know a history of identity as a disabled person. In tracing this lack of historic knowledge, Perel looks to the erasure of voices due to the Aktion T4 killings where “Life Unworthy of Life” was an official medical term. Developed under the Nazi regime, it was used to determine what kinds of people were to be killed or spared, justifying the killing of thousands of disabled people. Disabled, queer, Jewish writer, Kenny Fries is a special guest on the show, where he will talk about themes related to memory studies and disability in reference to his own research.

The audience is invited to take part in After-Care Sessions with Perel and Kenny Fries directly after the show each night. This is a chance for more intimate sharing in an informal atmosphere, facilitated by a another host each night. on 12.5. by Yael Attia and on 13.5. by Dirk Sorge.

Cast

Conceived, designed, and performed by: Perel / Guest: Kenny Fries / Original dramaturgy by: Noa Winter / Original lighting design by: Katri Kuusimaki / DGS by: Oya Ataman und N.N. / Audio description: Swantje Henke (Gravity Access Services) / Audio Description consultation with: Monique McDowell

Dates

Past
  • Fri 12.5.2023, 19:00 / HAU2
  • Sat 13.5.2023, 19:00 / HAU2

Further Information

Visitor note

Perel & their team kindly ask you to wear an FFP2 mask during the performance. Exceptions are visitors who cannot wear FFP2 or medical masks due to health and physical reasons, and for visitors who communicate in sign language. 

Relaxed Performances are aimed at everyone who feels more comfortable in a relaxed environment. The audience space is not completely dark. Strobe light, abrupt changes of light and sudden or very loud sounds are avoided. Audience members can move about or make noise. If you need to take a break, you can go out and come in again during the show.

For all visitors who need more freedom of movement and comfort to be able to follow the performance in a relaxed manner, extra reserved seats (“alternative seating”) are available in limited capacity. To make a reservation request for the “alternative seating”, please contact tickets@hebbel-am-ufer.de.

Credits

Production: Perel and NO LIMITS Festival Berlin. Funded as part of the Alliance of International Production Houses by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, Europe Beyond Access and Create Europe Programme of the EU.

Location

HAU2
Hallesches Ufer 34, 10963 Berlin

There are two marked parking spots in front of the building. Barrier-free restroom facilities are available. Four relaxed seats are available in the first row of HAU2. Tickets for wheelchair users and accompanying persons can also be booked via the ticketing system. If you need help, please contact our Ticketing & Service team at +49 (0)30 259004-27 or send us an email to tickets@hebbel-am-ufer.de.

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