herbst cabaret
Alex Franz Zehetbauer
Guest production
Amuse-Bouche (2024)
Alex Franz Zehetbauer takes on the role of the jester, who, as is well known, is the only one allowed to tell the truth at court. He has come to entertain, do a little dance, tell a good joke, tickle you with a song. He wants your attention, your laughter and tears, but also the bag of nuts you keep ready for emergencies. His voice will enchant you, but beware: this fool judges indiscriminately. Everyone and everything risks slipping in front of his mirror—corrupt rulers, slimy curators, or sleeping spectators. You’d better keep laughing; otherwise your head could be next.
In English and German. With performance doula support by Claire Lefèvre.
Double bill with Annina Machaz.
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Alex Franz Zehetbauer (1990, New York, USA) is a performance artist, sonic choreographer, and vocalist. He has collaborated with artists such as Philipp Gehmacher, Jen Rosenblit, Taylor Mac, and Marta Navaridas. Recently, his performances could be seen at: Wien Modern / Brut Nordwest (2023); The Brick Theater, New York (2023); fjk3 – Raum für zeigenössischen Kunst, Vienna (2023); FFT Düsseldorf (2023); Theater Aan Zee, Ostende (2022); La Strada, Graz (2022); Šiauliai Art Gallery (2021). Zehetbauer lives in Vienna.
For the third year in a row, steirischer herbst turns to cabaret and its capacity for gritty, gutsy social criticism. Six performances present a mix of burlesque, street chanson, stand-up, and macabre poetry in the intimate setting of Forum Stadtpark’s basement.
Commissioned and produced by steirischer herbst ʼ24.
