As summer takes hold, the WERK X-Petersplatz theater in Vienna debuts its latest production, “Hideaway – Love and Other Radicalities,” in collaboration with the visionary collective Bauer + Baum. It is a story of nostalgia for a long ago past, when we danced to records, allowed our skin to burn to a crisp in the name of a tan, and when feminism was just on the rise, with thought-provoking perspectives. and a groundbreaking staging, which allows audiences a view – literally – into the glass house of relationships and the intricate web of love and identity.
During an dress rehearsal, I had the opportunity to capture the essence of “Hideaway” through the lens of my camera. As an avid lover of both theater and photography, my being granted access to this subterranean theatre venue for rehearsal photo shoots is always a privilege.
Transporting spectators from the bustling city streets to the summer heat in a vacation home, “Hideaway” immerses them in a fictional holiday retreat. Here, the four-member ensemble brings to life a story that transcends traditional family structures and embodies a captivating tale of love and identity that is both familiar and extraordinary. The four friends are spending their vacation in an actual glass house, trying to simply enjoy life, but unable to escape the realities of social politics and the eyes of spectators.
This is not an ordinary staging: instead of sitting in an auditorium looking at a stage, viewers are encouraged to walk around a glass house, which becomes the stage. The concept of a glass house within the theater space has transformed the audience’s role from passive spectators to active participants. No longer confined to their seats, viewers have the rare opportunity to explore the intricacies of the performers’ lives up close. This unconventional setup blurs the boundaries between the stage and the audience, immersing theatergoers in a truly up-close experience. As the audience walks around the glass house, peering into the lives of the four-member ensemble, they almost become an integral part of the narrative, intimately connected to the characters and their emotions. The transparent walls of the glass house provide an unobstructed view, allowing viewers to witness every gesture, expression, and interaction with unparalleled clarity.
This unique vantage point not only enhances the viewers’ engagement but also fosters a sense of empathy and connection, as their performances become raw and authentic in this unfiltered environment.
The glass house design of “Hideaway” also serves as a visual metaphor for the fragility and transparency of human relationships. It underscores the vulnerability of the characters, laying bare their struggles and desires, while simultaneously inviting viewers to reflect upon their own experiences and perceptions of love.
This immersive journey is a testament to the power of theater to transcend traditional boundaries and offer viewers an unforgettable encounter with art. The freedom to wander around and observe the glass house performance space adds a layer of discovery, inviting viewers to engage with the production on multiple levels and from different angles.
Bauer + Baum, renowned for their ability to playfully deconstruct clichés, artfully infuse their work with feminist insights, challenging societal norms and examining the multifaceted dimensions of romantic love. Drawing inspiration from the profound wisdom of visionaries such as Şeyda Kurt, Josephine Apraku, bell hooks and others, the collective crafts a diverse narrative based on intimate interviews with “tenderness experts”. In collaboration with the ensemble, their innovative script provides a platform for underrepresented voices, amplifying the perspectives of BIPoC and LGBTIQ* communities.
The underlying premise of “Hideaway” is about the question of who can claim the privilege of being able to detach oneself from society’s pressing concerns. In a world brimming with political upheavals, who possesses the luxury of disengagement? Who can afford to retreat into a sanctuary, shielded from the clamour of the outside world? The answer given, I gathered, is that it is actually not possible or right to disengage – that we need to go beyond personal connections and personal comforts.
Şeyda Kurt, one of the creative minds behind the production, emphasizes the need for solidarity beyond personal relationships: “The improvement of the world does not solely depend on cultivating fair and tender connections within our immediate circles. It must extend to solidarity with individuals outside the realm of partnership and friendship.”
Situated in Vienna’s first district, WERK X-Petersplatz has become a vibrant hub for innovative theater and culturally significant events. Under the stewardship of Cornelia Anhaus, who assumed the curatorial direction and management in 2018, the theater has thrived as a progressive platform for emerging and established artistic groups. While rooted in the spoken theater tradition, WERK X-Petersplatz also embraces contemporary artistic expressions and actively fosters diversity and inclusivity within its walls.
As the doors open on “Hideaway – Love and Other Radicals” at WERK X-Petersplatz, theater enthusiasts and curious minds alike are urged to venture into this thought-provoking world. Through a compelling narrative that challenges conventions, Bauer + Baum offer a profound exploration of love, intimacy, and the political implications that lie beneath the surface.
Actors: Nina Fog, Lisa Kärcher, Marie Noel, Moritz Sauer
Staging, Text: Isabella Sedlak
Set and costumes: Sophie Baumgartner
Stage construction: Johannes Plos
Music and Sounddesign: Philipp Pettauer
Dramaturgy: Moritz Sauer
Directing collaboration: Juliane Aixner
The play is in German, it premiered last night, on 11 June 2023.
Further performances
Tue June 13, 2023 at 8 p.m
Wed June 14, 2023, 6 p.m
Wed June 14, 2023, 8 p.m
Thu June 15, 2023, 6 p.m
Thu June 15, 2023, 8 p.m
Fri June 16, 2023 at 6 p.m
Fri June 16, 2023 at 8 p.m
Sat June 17, 2023 at 6:00 p.m
Sat June 17, 2023, 8 p.m
By the way, this is the last month WERK X-Petersplatz will exist in its current configuration! Cornelia Anhaus, the current leader, is moving on, hopefully to rewarding new challenges. Cornelia has been the theatre´s own artistic curator and manager since the 2018/2019 season. From that point on the WERK X-Petersplatz was run as an autonomous house with its own artistic profile, while still connected to the WERK X. I am curious to find out what comes next. Cheers, Cornelia and Team Werk X-Petersplatz!
All photos © Karin Svadlenak-Gomez
ViennaCultgram 
This productions looks and sounds intriguing. Unlike you, I haven’t attended a theatre production for many years and have never heard of a glass house design. It’s easy to imagine how closer the viewer is to the action and actors.
Thank you for this interesting summary.
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Oh, not going to the theatre, I would miss it so much. It was my first time experiencing such a stage design too. There are other formats that allow a very close observation, but this was very interesting because the glass house to me also seemed to have some symbolism to it. Thanks for reading, Tanja.
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