Dictatorship

AKHE

Russia

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The dictatorship of art! – No dictator knows its secrets. But suggestions can be found here: fire and water, litres of bubble bath, a giant pentagram-like wooden construction and throbbing music samples give birth to a wonderful new world. No need to crack tough nuts; instead break down their resistance. Burning chairs instead of blazing speeches, retreats from excessive demands instead of bloody tribunals, and healing mud instead of promises of salvation. Megalomania, frenzied movement and the attempt to appease the new gods of the virtual world with pure, unprotected sensuality.

AKHE is one of Russia’s most renowned artists’ collectives. They ironically describe their performances – which are brimming with strange objects and allusions to art – as “engineering theatre”. In recent years they have produced several commissioned works and have been involved in various co-productions with renowned event organisers (incl. Berliner Festspiele, Kampnagel Hamburg and FIDENA Bochum). UNIDRAM has presented almost all of their productions to date.