Felix Baumann

̶h̶a̶ ̶h̶a̶ ̶h̶a̶ hi!

In “ ̶h̶a̶ ̶h̶a̶ ̶h̶a̶ hi!” (WT), a mediocre comedian struggles to tell a joke with a life-changing effect. But he usually lacks the words or the right microphone setting for a real breakthrough.

In his newest project Felix Baumann devotes himself to an interdisciplinary research merging elements of physical theatre, circus, danse and visual arts. The starting point is the exploration of humor as a medium of cultural practice, critic and catharsis. He thus continues his work on the subject of "KÖRPER, KOMIK, MATERIAL" and pursues the aim of highliting the systemic relevance of humor as a liberating cultural technique in times of crisis.

By examining various humorous works, humorists and stand-up comedians of the 20th and 21st centuries, the many facets of humor as a cultural phenomenon are illuminated and the essential aspects as well as its functions (reflection, subversion, liberation, critique and catharsis) are highlighted. With the intention to make them applicable for a body&material centered practice in the performing arts and to use them as choreographic and dramaturgical tools.

At the same time, the concept for a full-length solo performance will be designed, which builds on the central results of the research and mixes and deconstructed elements of stand-up, contemporary circus, physical theater, humor and provocation to play on current discourses and motifs. In addition to the ongoing solo research the project includes following formats: expert exchanges, workshops, group-laboratories and showings.

PARTNERS

The initial research phase (January-March 2024) was supported by the Fonds Darstellende Künste with funds from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.

The project is structurally supported in form of residence space by following production houses and organisations: Kulturraum GmbH Berlin (DE), Chamäleon Berlin (DE), LOFFT DAS THEATER Leipzig (DE) and Tollhaus Karlsruhe (DE).