Enough of prevailing patriarchal discourses, eternal power struggles and ongoing discrimination: Olivia Hyunsin Kim/ddanddarakim transform the Sophiensæle Kantine into a contemporary version of the ancient agora, the central place of assembly in the Greek polis.

But unlike its ancient role model, Agora Hysteria will become a platform for inclusive exchange. Together with their audience, Olivia Hyunsin Kim/ddandarakim create a center for conversation and discussion, a moment of pause and an opportunity to share knowledge. At the same time, they reclaim the concept of hysteria. From the medical vocabulary of repression to self-determined rebellion – Olivia Hyunsin Kim/ddanddarakim are hysterical and that's a good thing! The Agora Hysteria invites interested visitors to three days of exchange, input and relaxation to engage in conversation about changing questions and topics in a performative framework.

Agora Hysteria #1: SO SICK!

On June 6, SO SICK! deals with chronic diseases and an approach to taking collective responsibility for illness. With various performances, the first day of Agora Hysteria will be looking for strategies of slowing down. With, among others Alexander Hahne, Hendrik Quast and Xinan Pandan. The day ends with a concerts by Gigolo Tears and by Die Spoonies.

Agora Hysteria #2: Speculative Biographies

On June 7, the Agora Hysteria will be dedicated to transnational adoption. Under the title Speculative Biographies, the power relationship between the global South and North will be highlighted. Amongst others, kimura byol lemoine, Canadian artist and activist, will show video works and objects; scientist and author Anja Sunhyun Michaelsen will provide insights into their own research. The day will also feature activist, photographer andfounder of YEOJA Mag Rae (Mee-Jin) Tilly. In the evening, Olivia Hyunsin Kim invites you to her legendary dance karaoke Everybody Danceoke.

Agora Hysteria #3: Gender Euphoria

On June 8, Agora Hysteria celebrates the performative aspect of gender and body self-determination for one day with the title Gender Euphoria. With contributions from cabaret artist and publicist Michaela Dudley, activist Sandrao Mending and producer Bambi Ceren Kalay, among others. In the evening there will be a performance program moderated by Olympia Bukkakis and performances by The Darvish, Brown Sugar Biscuit and Holden Madagame.

The next performance project by Olivia Hyunsin Kim/ddanddarakim, Be Thankful, they said will premiere at the Sophiensæle in October 2024.

Concept, artistic direction: Olivia Hyunsin Kim, Jones Seitz
With a.o.: Alexander Hahne, Hendrik Quast, Xinan Pandan, Kristin Gerwien, Die Spoonies, Gigolo Tears, kimura byol lemoine, Anja Sunhyun Michaelsen, Rae (Mee-Jin) Tilly, Sandrao Mendig, Michaela Dudley, Bambi Ceren Kalay, Olympia Bukkakis, Brown Sugar Biscuit, The Darvish, Holden Madagame 
Set design: Luca Plaumann
Technical direction: Gefährliche Arbeit/Frieder Miller
Production management: ehrliche arbeit - freelance cultural office
Photos, documentation: Christian Cattelan, Mayra Wallraff

A production by Olivia Hyunsin Kim/ddanddarakim in co-production with Sophiensæle. Funded by the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion of the State of Berlin and by the Performing Arts Fund from funds provided by the Federal Government's Beauftragten für Kultur und Medien. Media partners: Siegessäule, taz.