Strauss is not a Bird?

The overall project concludes by looking for ways out of the New Dark Age: artists such as Super Nase & Co, Enrique Mendoza, Akiko Ahrendt, Elvin Brandhi & Kabath Abas, Dror Feiler & BPO, David Schweighart and many more create performative spaces for this purpose.

With radical sound experiments, physical interventions and transmedia settings, they are taking a stand against political paralysis and aesthetic nostalgia. Between noise, ritual and rebellion, a temporary zone is created in which new forms of coexistence, resistance and hope are tested. Beyond empire, canon and harmony.

OCT.opus 25

The team of artists that go by the name of God’s Entertainment will be depositing a huge octopus replica in the pond near the Karlsplatz to offer us a new interpretation of Strauss’ waltzes.

This artistic ersatz for an octopus, representing an intriguing symbiosis between Strauss and cultural studies expert Donna Haraway, is designed to give us a completely new perspective on the waltz as such, with lively and provocative interpretations opening up unprecedented emotional and intellectual vistas on the music of Johann Strauss. With the help of an array of supporting artists, Strauss himself will conducting OCT.opus 25 and dancing to his own music. On five weekends, the project will be electrifying its audiences with humour, temperament, concerts, performances and dinners.