Obelix Nutrix
Ania Nowak stands before us like Florence Nightingale, in a white apron and cap, immediately reversing the situation: Who is actually caring for whom here? And what kind of healing is truly needed? A pill, a touch, a safe place?
«Obelix Nutrix» focuses on the figure of the nurse and, through language, soundscape, and powerful imagery, reflects on the ethics of nursing — an ethics dedicated to the universal satisfaction of human needs, regardless of nationality, race, or social status. In times of ongoing armed conflict and genocide, increasing compassion fatigue, and the omnipresence of images of suffering, Nowak explores how nursing can be distinguished from paternalism, control, or the saviour complex.
Ania Nowak is a choreographer and artist whose work stems from the question: what can('t) bodies and language do? Nowak develops formats such as live and video performance, installation and text. In her practice she engages with bodies in their nonlinear feeling and thinking capacity to tackle the difficulties of companionship and care in times of perpetual crisis. Her work attempts to reimagine the notions of disorder, pleasure, disease, intimacy, pain, sexuality, class and accessibility as sites of binary free living.
On 9.5 at 18:00, an Artist Talk with Ania Nowak together with DARUM will take place at the Festival Centre. The talk will be broadcast live on Radio RaBe.
Easy Read
When someone cares for someone else, it’s actually a good thing. But it can also be problematic. For example if the one being cared for is dependent on the other one.
Sign Language Interpretation
The performance on 9.5. will be translated into Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS). Places with good visibility to the interpreter are marked.
Interpreter: Tanja Joseph
Here you will find an explanatory video in DSGS for the event.
For people with mobility disabilities
The PROGR is wheelchair accessible. Access to Place Viktor is through the courtyard. Opposite the right-hand entrance to the courtyard, there is a ramp leading to the ground floor. In the entrance hall on the mezzanine on the right there is a passenger lift, with which the Place Viktor (4th floor) can be reached. The venue has a barrier-free toilet.
Elevator depth and width (door width: 80cm, inside width: 105cm, depth: 139cm)
4th floor corridor width: 153 cm (110 cm in places due to wardrobe)
4th door width: 80 cm
Relaxed Performance
This is a Relaxed Performance. Freedom of movement and audience noises are explicitly welcome. You are welcome to take breaks at any time, leave the theatre hall, and return when you’re ready.
Alternative seating (seats, cushions, etc.) is available. Beanbags are available in the front row for you to sit on. You can sit, lie down, or change seats during the performance. Babies and children are welcome.
Please note that Relaxed Performances focus on adapting the theatre environment, not the content of the performance. Check the content notes and sensory trigger warnings for further details.
Content Notes
This production addresses illness, (chronic) pain, the destruction of healthcare infrastructure, lack of healthcare, suicide, euthanasia and death.
The production features audience interaction, including questions directed to selected audience members and voluntary physical contact.All interactions are voluntary.
Sensory Triggers
Sudden sounds (screaming, sound of an ambulance siren)
Singing
Social Story
Social stories are used as a tool to prepare people for a public event, such as a theatre performance. Our social stories provide a detailed description of what to expect at the venue and the customs that apply there. You can find the (German) PDF of the «Obelix Nutrix» social story here.
Special Check-In
We offer a special check-in option. If for any reason you'd like to avoid the crowded foyer, require a specific seat, assistance due to a mobility impairment, or would like to be picked up at the bus stop, please contact us in advance. A member of our team will accompany you according to your needs.
Register: checkin@auawirleben.ch
Access Friend
At the Place Viktor, Access Friends welcome audiences and are available before, during, and after performances. These people can be identified by their purple vests. Questions about accessibility can be directed to the Access Friends.
- Idea, choreography and performance
- Ania Nowak
- Sound
- Justyna Stasiowska
- Costume
- Maldoror
- Outside eye
- Julia Plawgo
- Text
- Ania Nowak with inserts from Anne Boyer, rupi kaur and Antigone Samellas
Commissioned and produced by Salzburger Kunstverein. Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, Republic of Poland.