SMAK! SuperMacho AntiKristo

The live music theatre piece “SMAK! SuperMacho AntiKristo – A Headless 100-Act Opera” is the first cross-genre stage production by the Philippine artist, filmmaker, musician and performer Khavn. The work will be staged during René Pollesch’s first season (2020/21) as general theatre director at the Volksbühne Berlin. In cooperation with international artists, Khavn aims to develop and present content and strategies outside of the traditional theatre canon. Some facets of his method are reminiscent of Christoph Schlingensief’s, particularly with regard to revealing and mobilising marginalised content and voices through artistic means. “SMAK!” is a reflection of the artistic theory and practice of the great theatre avant-gardist of the 19^th century Alfred Jarry, juxtaposed with a literary reanimation of the unfinished novel “Makasima” by the Philippine national hero José Rizal. Khavn, who has repeatedly delved into the colonial legacy of his country for decades, hopes that his production will highlight the relevance of his country’s violent history of colonialism.  
In addition to co-authors Douglas Candano and Homer Novicio from Manila, author and musician Brezel Göring (Stereo Total) and actress Lilith Stangenberg, Khavin is collaborating with the Philippine contemporary artist Leeroy New, who will be in charge of set and costume design. Other artists and protagonists from the local Philippine and Berlin scenes are also involved in the project. The text and music are being written and composed in Manila and Berlin, while the rehearsals, performances and the accompanying programme will take place in Berlin.

Stage director: Khavn
Artistic director: Anna Heesen
Composer: Brezel Göring
Music: SMAKestra! (Brezel Göhring, Lady Maru, Antto Logy, Anna Fusek, Changi)
Set and costume design: Leeroy New
Actors: Mick Morris Mehnert, Jasmin Saleh, Sascha Schicht, Cem Aydan u. a and others

Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz, Berlin: from 13 April on