Something is seriously wrong in the cultural scene. Examples of abuse of power, ranging from verbal abuse to sexual harassment, bullying and institutional complicity, are the subject of a new play, Nestbeschmutzung, at Vienna’s Kosmos Theater. Produced after a year of research by the Institute for Media, Politics and Theatre (Institut für Medien, Politik und Theater), Nestbeschmutzung is the second thematic piece dealing with these issues, in parallel with the broadcast of the shocking NDR documentary “Gegen das Schweigen” (against the silence). (for a German version of this text, see below ..read more

I had the pleasure of attending a preview into Vienna´s brand new Prater museum, which opened last week The museum is one of the several Wienmuseum (Vienna Museum) locations. The old location at the Planetarium has been closed for a couple of years, while construction of a new modern venue and restoration works of some of the exhibits were going on. a multi-layered exhibition space For decades, the Prater Museum has resided on the fringes of the action, tucked away in a side wing of the Planetarium. But now it has moved to a central location on the “Wurstelprater” – Vienna’s beloved amusement ..read more

What I always have faith in is the power of theatre to bring complex topics to life and to mind. It rarely disappoints me, there is such magic in spending a concentrated hour or two mesmerised by the intensity of actors on stage. This time, I photographed a rehearsal of Faith Healer by Brian Friel, a strong new production by the Open House Theatre. Faith Healer delves into the narrative of “the fantastic” Francis Hardy, conveyed through the evolving recollections of Hardy himself, his wife Grace, and the stage manager, Teddy. The play originally premiered in 1979 and is now showing for the fi ..read more

Move over Sound of Music! Saddle up for an extraordinary musical experience with “Horses,” a production that defies convention and ventures into uncharted territories of humor, irony, and Austrian idiosyncrasies. Johannes Schrettle and Imre Lichtenberger Bozoki have crafted a musical that challenges expectations, blending diverse themes such as refugees, right-wing extremism vs. left-wing idealism at an estate that is called “Gut Mensch” in a play on words. The story revolves around a country estate ironically named “Gut Mensch”, which Birgit has inherited from her Nazi father. Determined to ..read more

“The Secret Service of Flowers” – a nice pun, is the title of the new photography exhibition at Galerie Anzenberger in Vienna´s former Anker bread factory. It opened last week, and I went to the opening night. The Gallery currently offers a sort of refuge from the urban every day, a place to figuratively breathe in a sweet fragrance of beauty and tranquility. Their current exhibition celebrates the inherent beauty and symbolism of the delicate wonders of flowers in several artistic positions. From February to April seven talented artists, both Austrian and international, are showcasing their u ..read more

Nestled within the heart of Vienna’s bustling cultural hub of the 7th district, the Kosmos Theater presents a gripping solo production that plunges into the popular world of survival reality shows and the driving forces compelling individuals to sign up for such extreme experiences. “1 vs. Wild – The Apocalypse of Your Dreams” stars Lara Sienczak, delivering an electrifying performance that probes the depths and nuances of masculinity and the magnetic pull toward pushing one’s boundaries in the face of challenges. It does so with a good dose of humour, even as it presents the audience with ser ..read more

Step into the captivating world of Mike Bartlett’s groundbreaking play “Cock”, as it makes its English debut in the heart of Vienna. Premiered in 2009 at London’s Royal Court Theatre, the play now comes alive at The Off Theatre in Vienna´s 7th district, thanks to a successful crowd funding campaign. This is a nuanced exploration masterfully crafted by Bartlett, delving into the paralyzing indecision that arises from the struggle to define one’s true identity. The central character is John, whose relationships and identity conflicts form the heart of the drama—he is a fixture to his controlli ..read more

Step into the captivating world of Mike Bartlett’s groundbreaking play “Cock”, as it makes its English debut in the heart of Vienna. Premiered in 2009 at London’s Royal Court Theatre, the play now comes alive at The Off Theatre in Vienna´s 7th district, thanks to a successful crowd funding campaign. This is a nuanced exploration masterfully crafted by Bartlett, delving into the paralyzing indecision that arises from the struggle to define one’s true identity. The central character is John, whose relationships and identity conflicts form the heart of the drama—he is a fixture to his controlli ..read more

I had the privilege of attending an artist talk with Joel Sternfeld at the Albertina Museum, which is currently showing a major exhibition of his series “American Prospects”. Listening to Sternfeld was an enlightening opportunity to gain insights into his creative process and the inspirations behind his captivating large format work. It was a remarkable experience to hear him discuss his travels through the USA in the 1970s and 80s and his concept behind “American Prospects,” – an attempt to capture something that he felt was being lost. Joel Sternfeld at an artist talk at the Albertina Museum ..read more

The Dom Museum Wien’s latest exhibition “Sterblich sein” (being mortal) is a poignant exploration of mortality, art, and the human condition. This thought-provoking showcase delves into the intricate interplay between life and death, offering a visual narrative that transcends time and cultural boundaries. From contemporary responses to the pandemic, such as Günter Brus’ “Young Death,” to historical reflections on the art of dying well, this exhibition draws on a diverse range of artworks to convey the ever-evolving perspectives on mortality. With a compelling mix of striking visual elements ..read more