Dear visitors to Gessnerallee, dear artists
Zurich-based actor, musician and director Phil Hayes is known for his melancholic humour, his precise use of language and the subtle irony with which he approaches a wide variety of topics. Live music plays an important role in many of his works. For his new piece ‘Desperate Measures’, which premieres on 10 December at Gessnerallee, he is collaborating with musicians Martina Berther, Mario Hänni and Dominic Oppliger to create an evening full of black humour and heart-wrenching songs. Three weeks before the premiere, we asked him three questions about the play and his relationship with Zurich's theatre and performance scene.
Gessnerallee: In ‘Desperate Measures’, you want to win our respect and trust – but above all, you want to connect with the audience. Why is connection so important to you and how will you achieve it?
Phil Hayes: I think I play a fictional version of myself or someone like me who is trying to make a connection, using the stage as the means available to him. I have always been interested in the here and now of a live performance, which only exists for a brief moment, as a kind of agreement between the audience and the performers. There are many different agreements that can be made in this context: Do I have something to tell you, something to show you? Do I have a question for you? If I try to take you to a certain place, will you gladly come with me?
You will be on stage with the three musicians Martina Berther, Mario Hänni and Dominic Oppliger. How did you find each other and what can we as audience members expect from the piece?
I have been making music since I was 13 and occasionally play in bands. Many years ago, I came to Zurich on tour. I still have a connection to the music scene here and continue to make music and write songs in my own simple way. Over the years, I have met Mario and Martina several times, but this is the first time we have really got to know each other. For Dominic and me, this is already our third joint music project. At the moment, we are still in the middle of the process, so I don't want to reveal too much about what the audience will see, but there will definitely be songs and stories – and a few surprises too.
‘Desperate Measures’ marks 23 years of you working, performing and creating at Gessnerallee. How do you think the Zurich theatre and performance scene has changed during this time?
It's an ever-changing scene, and the priorities and interests of the artists who work in a place like this naturally reflect the general issues facing our society and the times we live in. Sure, Gessnerallee has changed a lot since I started here, but so has the world around us. I've always been driven by the desire to do interesting work with good people. That's the deal I made with myself. Financially, it's not a particularly successful plan, and artistically, I haven't always found what I was looking for, but it's my luxury and, as I said, my deal. And Gessnerallee and the people I've met and worked with here who have inspired me are a big part of that.
We are very much looking forward to Phil Hayes' new work and to your visit! Secure your tickets now for the performances of ‘Desperate Measures’ on 10, 12, 13 and 14 December at Gessnerallee.
