Henrike Iglesias’s GRRRRRL as Femmage on Stage: A Killjoy Utopia?

Abstract

Abstract:This article analyses the performance GRRRRRL (2016) by the theatre collective Henrike Iglesias based in Berlin and Basel. The production is a relevant example of contemporary feminist performance in the current theatre climate in Germany and is an especially interesting subject for detailed analysis since it tries not only to critique the dominant culture for its injustices against women, but also to offer a better alternative, a utopian place called FORT GRRRRRL. In addition to examining how critique and utopia coexist in this performance, the article investigates the aesthetic strategies used to achieve these aims. Drawing on feminist performance theory and criticism, the analysis also traces the influences of feminist theatre tradition on GRRRRRL.