ABC - ein Spiel ohne Scherz

intergenerational live performance by MATERNAL FANTASIES, Uferstudios Berlin, 2024


Since 2018, the interdisciplinary artist collective, MATERNAL FANTASIES, has been developing artistic practices that intricately engage with the complex landscape of the care crisis. Viewing motherhood as a dynamic process rather than a fixed physical identity, the collective collaboratively brings forth contemporary queer-feminist perspectives, weaving together individual experiences while simultaneously juxtaposing divergent and intergenerational positions to create a rich polyvocality.
MATERNAL FANTASIES integrates children into their artistic endeavors, focusing on inclusive, community-oriented experiments as alternatives to conventional art production structures. In their latest project, ABC_ein Spiel ohne Scherz, the collective creates an abecedary on maternal care through short videos and a live performance. The overarching goal is to tap into intergenerational knowledge, fostering a relearning of mutual care beyond the confines of the traditional mother-child relationship, extending to any dynamic that demands an intensive approach.
The Abecedary project, blending feminist discourses with personal narratives from performers and envisioning future narratives from children, offers a playful yet critical response to the undervaluation of care work within capitalism. The intention is to experiment with the development of poetic meanings that challenge existing discourses surrounding the social institution of motherhood and artistic labor.
The live performance, designed for adults yet suitable for children, unfolds through an alphabet-derived structure where letters metamorphose into words, serving as key concepts guiding the scenes. Methodologically, MATERNAL FANTASIES delves deeper into its expertise by employing a rotating authorship approach and creating instructions, seeking external expertise to enrich their work.

Duration: 1 hr

Project by: MATERNAL FANTASIES
Concept and artistic coordination: Maicyra Leão
Performance, Scores, Stage and Costume: Hanne Klaas, Isabell Spengler, Magdalena Kallenberger, Maicyra Leão & Mikala Hyldig Dal
Performance (Children): Rasmus, Kayan, Liva, Mie, Morten, Nury, Samuel, Sascha, Selma, Wim
Dramaturgy: Rodrigo Garcia Alves
Composition and Sound Design: Constantin John
Music Preparation: Nouras Hanana
Prop Design: Gry Björge
Light Design: Mirella Brandi
Light Assistant: Kathleen Kunath
Graphic Design: Manuela & Thiago Eichner
Artistic Assistant: Mariana Romagnani
Production: Rania Mavriki/CULTOPIA


Funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Community. With support from Uferstudios and Theaterhaus Berlin Mitte.

premiere: Uferstudios, Berlin, 2.+3. February 2024


MATERNAL FANTASIES are Hanne Klaas, Isabell Spengler, Magdalena Kallenberger, Maicyra Leão, Mikala Hyldig Dal, Aino El-Sohl & Lena Chen