Olivia Hyunsin Kim/ddanddarakim: Agora Hysteria – Sophiensæle | Independent Theater in Berlin
Olivia Hyunsin Kim/ddanddarakim: Agora Hysteria
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.
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 concert 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 visual artist 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.
- Over the three days of the event, various difficult topics will be dealt with, depending on the focus.
- There include among others: homophobia, transphobia, queerphobia, interphobia, chronical illness, ableism, adoption trauma, racism, gender & body disphoria.
You can find more information on working with content notes on the house here.
If any questions remain from the following information, please feel free to contact Stefanie Hauser at barrierefreiheit@sophiensaele.com or 030 27 89 00 35. Please note that details may change by the day of the event. Therefore, if you find out after you have purchased your ticket that the performance is no longer accessible to you, you can contact us for a ticket return at ticketing@sophiensaele.com or 030 27 89 00 45 until 5 business days after the event (Monday through Friday between 10am and 6pm).
Duration
- Discourse program: 2 hours with breaks, (warm) drinks and snacks will be provided
- Evening program: 1 hour
- There will be a longer break between the two parts of the program, which can also be spent at the Sophiensælen.
Language
- German and Englisch spoken language with whisper translation in German and English
Light
- There will be lighting effects directed on the audience.
- No stroboscopic effects are used.
- Light will be directed on a disco ball.
Atmosphere
- There will be a separate resting room which is also accessible via elevator.
- The audience can always leave and return to the room at their own leisure.
- A contact person from the team is always on site.
Audience area
- The audience is seated on chairs.
- There will be alternative seating options available (bean bags, seat cushions).
- Some performances may involve interaction with the audience. However, these are completely voluntary (for example: a guided journey of self-awareness on 6.6. with Alexander Hahne, audience interaction on 8.6. with Michaela Dudley)
- 2 wheelchair seats bookable according to availability
Relaxed Performance
- All shows take place as relaxed performances.
Tickets
- Reservations can be made via the ticket telephone at 030 283 52 66, Monday to Friday from 4pm-6pm
- Via the online ticket shop
- At the box office
You can also find more information about accessibility here.
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.