Dancing in the margins

The Brazilian trans artist Fernanda Silva presents her latest creation, a tribute to Valeska Gert: a German dancer, mime, cabaret artist, actress, and pioneering performance artist of the early 20th century. In this solo performance, Silva connects her personal life to Gert’s satirical and provocative works. In doing so, she builds a bridge across decades, interweaving the lives of two very different yet similar women/choreographers.

Who is Valeska Gert?

A source of inspiration for both expressionists and the punk scene, a symbol of female resistance, a pioneer in combining dance and performance. Valeska Gert was many women. She danced characters in the margin. At a time when modern dance was the norm, she rebelled and questioned societal issues. Gert mainly performed in underground cabaret bars in Berlin, until she was forced to migrate to the USA in the 30s due to her Jewishness. She started her own club, a home for emigrated German artists of all kinds. After the war, she returned to Europe, where her art was finally appreciated. She continued to perform, act, and dance until the end of her life. Until today, she is considered a role model of the avant-garde movement.

This project is part of the European programme apap – FEMINIST FUTURES, a project co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union