Hexploitation

“Hexploitation” is a new production by the performance collective She She Pop, developed in cooperation with artists, researchers, theatres and festivals in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Japan and Switzerland. The aging process is the central focus of this production. The performers of She She Pop examine the social images of the “old woman”, the crone, along with the flaws and taboos attributed to her. In their new production, they pose a controversial question, namely, to what extent are our preconceptions and value judgements concerning femininity influenced by the witch hunts of history?
In collaboration with international researchers from Japan, Ireland and other countries, the artists investigate how the debasement of self-determined women has become culturally and historically legitimised over centuries. In preparatory workshops they discuss these narratives and examine what kind of powerful images of the strong-minded crone exist.
In the scenario of a public witch trial with its physical examinations and humiliating interrogations, She She Pop interweaves depictions of offensive femininity from various periods and cultures. Monstrous physical depictions are presented alongside positive images of the crone. Video projections play an exceedingly important role in the performance. “Hexploitation” plays on forbidden images and the taboos of looking; the projection screens become mirrors and magnifying glasses which both reproduce and deconstruct the images to an equal degree. Local legends of witch hunts will be integrated into the performances in Torino and Basel, which She She Pop will develop together with the performers on location.

Artistic direction: She She Pop
Video: Benjamin Krieg
Music: Santiago Blaum
Costume design: Lea Soevsoe
Artistic assistant: Laia Ribera
International experts: Veronica Dyas, Takako Shibata and others

Further Events

June 22: Festival delle Colline Torinesi/TPE - Teatro Piemonte Europa
Autumn 22: Dublin Theatre Festival