Welcome to a degenerated utopia, a ticket to a society between times – and the losses it entails: AN(A)KARA is a sci-fi TV variety show hosted by Gucci Chunk a.k.a. Göksu Kunak that explores Turkey's late modernity with a particular focus on the city of Ankara, and the bodies of the neoliberal TV hosts that are like monumental statues as they embody nationalist ideologies, serving as instruments of propaganda. AN(A)KARA aims at toppling the statue of the young and athletic NEW MAN and replacing it with shapewear underwear. The performance also explores the shift in a concept of time: from kısmet, the idea that fate predetermines a person's path, to the clocked fast pace of modernity and the friction in between.

In AN(A)KARA memories and confusions of a Muslim child appear as voices and objects speaking from a past of the 1980s and 1990s. While the performance gives an overview of this distinctive era of Turkey, Göksu Kunak simultaneously addresses the clichés and clashes about the East-and-West and the ever-present (self-)censorship.

The performance lasts about 60 minutes and continues with a 20 minute installation. During the installation the audience is free to leave the space. The performance is in English spoken language. Its content is aimed at an adult audience. The stage space is rather bright, almost like a museum. There are some quick but easy light changes. Sounds from the audience are allowed. The audience area has chairs. There is one beanbag which can be reserved by phone or booked through the online ticket store, subject to availability. Drinking is allowed and the audience is invited to take pictures and videos. Accessibility information will be updated on an ongoing basis. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Gina Jeske at jeske@sophiensaele.com or 030 27 89 00 35.