SUKA OFF performance at the International Contemporary Dance Festival in Mexico City
photo: Anna Jankowska
DIE PUPPE is one of SUKA OFF’s signature performances.
It is a kaleidoscope of images drawn from the life and creations of the iconic surrealist artist Hans Bellmer, filtered through the artistic experiences and aesthetics of SUKA OFF members, who have been studying his biography and works for years. Blending the styles of both, the performance becomes an exploration of female physicality and sexuality, examining their relationship with the process of artistic creation.
DIE PUPPE takes an open performative form, becoming a hybrid of visual theatre, dance and body art. It has been showcased in intimate galleries as well as large theater halls. Each subsequent presentation becomes a fresh “sketch,” expanding on various elements within the cycle. The stage transforms into the artist’s studio, and the performative act becomes a process / session during which artifacts are being created.
The first “sketch” of DIE PUPPE took place in 2010 In Katowice – the city where Bellmer was born and took his first artistic steps, as well as the home and workplace of SUKA OFF. Since then, the performance has continually evolved, traveling across Europe, the United States, and Japan.
Despite 30 years of artistic work with international recognition, we are completely ignored by institutions in our country [Adam Mickiewicz Institute (which runs the “Poland’s Culture in the World” program) or the Polish Embassy in Mexico]. By refusing support, we were deprived of the chance to perform “Die Puppe” at the International Contemporary Dance Festival in Mexico City.
However, we believe that the public, not the officials, should decide which artists perform at festivals.
That’s why for the first time we’ve decided to ask for your help.
Please do what the institutions did not want to do and help us perform in Mexico.
DIE PUPPE / 28.03.2025 / KLAMRA Alternative Theatre Meetings / Torun / PL / still from video
What we ask for?
We turn to you with a heartfelt plea: Help us raise the funds needed to make our Mexico performance a reality. The amount we need is substantial for us, but with many small donations, it’s achievable.
Here’s the fundraiser page:
We will be extremely grateful for any type of support.
DIE PUPPE / 19.11.2022 / Black Mirror / Katowce / PL
What’s in it for you?
How can we express our gratitude?
If everything goes as planned, we’ll film our festival performance and share it on our website, with credits to everyone who made it possible.
During the event, we will capture eight Instax photos. The highest donor will receive three signed photos, the second-highest donor will receive two signed photos, and the next two donors will each receive one signed photo. We will keep one photo for our archive.
DIE PUPPE / 04.05.2024 / Paradoxal Festival / La Rochelle / FR
DIE PUPPE / 08.09.2017 / Andromedon / Tychy / PL
DIE PUPPE / 28.03.2025 / KLAMRA Alternative Theatre Meetings / Torun / PL
