In the valley and in the village, customs such as Alpaufzüge (cattle drives), trer schibettas (traditional dances) and Silvesterchläuse (New Year's Eve celebrations) shape the sense of belonging – and at the same time of exclusion. Because where community is formed, strict rules apply: who is allowed to participate, who is excluded? The gender dichotomy is deeply rooted, and the queer-hostile heritage of the province continues to have an impact. Following their residency at the Gessnerallee as part of the emerging talent award PREMIO Pop-Up Mountain Company share an insight into their working process: ‘SCHÄLLEWIIBER’ tells the story of a lesbian love that blossoms, warms hearts and ultimately breaks. Along patriarchal lines of tradition and queer tragedy, the performance weaves personal experiences, social observations and local rituals into an aesthetic exploration that makes the invisible visible and opens up spaces for empathy, conversation and reflection.

Information on accessibility and language 

• Stepless access

• Language: In Swiss German, English and Romansh spoken language

• Content notes: Physical and psychological violence as well as sexualised violence, partial nudity, classism

• Recommended age: 16 years and older

• Lighting: During the entrance, the stage and auditorium are brightly lit. During the play, there are both bright and dark moments.

• Sound: The sound comes from all sides of the room. There is a short bass-heavy scene with club music and little reverb.

• Other sensory stimuli: In one scene, there is brief vaping (flavour: peach).

• Interaction: Saltine crackers are eaten on stage and offered to the audience. There are moments when the audience is addressed directly with the opportunity to respond.
  In one scene, a scantily clad performer sits on an empty chair in the auditorium, but there is no touching or other interaction with the audience.