Nesterval
Die Namenlosen
The Nameless
Nesterval’s new work The Nameless (Die Namenlosen) deals with the systematic persecution and killing of homosexual and transsexual people during the National Socialist regime. It is created in co-production with brut Wien and consulted by QWIEN – Zentrum für queere Stadtgeschichte. Nesterval, the ‘queer popular theatre guerrilla’ (Kampnagel, Hamburg) that received the NESTROY theatre award in 2020, most recently tackled Thomas Mann’s Buddenbrooks and, at original locations, the downfall of the monarchy in Austria in Die letzten Tage der Nestervals (‘The Last Days of the Nestervals’).
The area of Vienna’s railway station Nordwestbahnhof, August 2nd, 1938. ‘Der ewige Jude’ (the eternal Jew), an antisemitic exhibition full of hatred and denunciation, is being opened in the main hall of the station. Many lives are subject to forced labour, deportation, and looting by the Nazis. In one of the halls on the vast grounds, there is the warehouse of the Nesterval china factory with the attached canteen where family members, workers and residents meet. Martha Nesterval, outwardly a staunch National Socialist, is here for the company. She and her husband, a doctor also loyal to the regime, are supposed to take their nephew under their wing to heal him of his ‘dreamy manners.’ But the environment to which the aunt introduces the nephew instead opens him yet another new world: At night, they say, the company canteen turns into an unofficial, secret joint for the Nameless, whose life is so often determined by fear, danger, and self-denial during the day. But even this parallel universe is about to be destroyed ‘piece by piece and person by person’. The activities around the canteen and the nightly goings-on have stirred the curiosity of the police, who now begin to investigate in the group’s milieu, asking around for evidence of lewd behaviour and criminal energies. The audience will get closer to the characters than ever in this new Nesterval production, since it will embody their thoughts – the thoughts that are with them at all times as they move through the story.
The immersive acting group Nesterval identifies as a queer popular theatre that translates historic classics of literature and drama into the present day by exaggerating and deconstructing them. Each production revolves around the pleasure of playing, the creation of a theatrical space for adventure, and the involvement of the audience in the performance. Interactive agency is enabled by empathy, surprising casting, and the conversations between spectators and actors that are actively pursued during, but also after the show. Nesterval works with a queer technique of empowerment in which the playful level always includes a political dimension as societally relevant questions are posed and negotiated. All productions – more than 25 so far have been shown in Austria and abroad – are based on epochal events of the (fictional) Nesterval family dynasty. They are all site-specific and make reference to the cultural, societal, and historical background of each venue, thus fostering the decentralisation of the arts and culture industry. The cast is composed of about 20 performers, drag artists, and actors, who, in different constellations, tell the story of the legendary Nesterval family.
Trigger warning: The performance deals with anti-Semitism, discrimination and National Socialism. There will be dark rooms, depictions of violence and nudity. There is always the option to leave the rooms/scenes and go back to the bar (safe space) if you feel uncomfortable. If you have any questions or concerns about the content, please email team@nesterval.at.
Credits
Artistic Director / Director Martin Finland Written by Teresa Löfberg Co-Writers Martin Finland, Gisa Fellerer, Lorenz Tröbinger Co-Concept, Applications & Archive Martin Walanka Production Emilie Kleinszig Stage Design Andrea Konrad Set Construction Andreas Holzmann (Vienna Decoration Company) and Walter Winkelmüller Costume Design Dritan Kosovrasti Choreography Marcelo Doño Secondary Direction Lorenz Tröbinger Composition Julian Muldoon Song Lyrics Sarah Muldoon Sound Design Alkis Vlassakakis Collaboration Play Development Gisa Fellerer Scientific Collaboration Andreas Brunner, Jürgen Pettinger Consulting Magic Raphael Macho Team Equipment Ruth Grau, Willy Mutzenpachner, Milo Marx, Lorenz Hötzeneder Evening management Canteen Peter Kraus Graphic design Rita Brandneulinger Website Gisa Fellerer Social media Christopher Wurmdobler Photography Alexandra Thompson Trailer Lorenz Tröbinger Director's traineeship Laura Athanasiadis Cooperations Lukas Kirisits Accounting & Office Doris Panzer Technology Plan B, Till Gatermann Stage management Ela Lankes, Sabine Anders, Sebastian Kieberl Bar Denice Bourbon, Simon Stockinger, Anne Wieben, Norbert Fiedler, Alexandra Thompson, Bernhard Hablé, Eva Deutsch, Jürgen Pettinger, Luki Kirisits, Markus Gorfer
With Christopher Wurmdobler, Martin Finland, Gisa Fellerer, Chiara Seide, Stefan Pauser, Sophie Riedl, Romy Hrubeś, Willy Mutzenpachner, Rita Brandneulinger, Johannes Scheutz, Sven Diestel, Gellert Gerson Butter, Martin Walanka, Laura Hermann, Aston Matters, Lorenz Tröbinger, Peter Kraus, Julia Fuchs, Alkis Vlassakakis, Ela Lankes, Sabine Anders, Sebastian Kieberl, Denice Bourbon, Simon Stockinger, Anne Wieben, Norbert Fiedler, Alexandra Thompson, Bernhard Hablé, Eva Deutsch, Jürgen Pettinger, Luki Kirisits, Markus Gorfer
Special thanks to Tove Grün (dramaturgical support), Peter Hörmanseder (sound recordings), Ari Ban, ÖBB and the friends of Nesterval (especially Andrea & Valerie Lenk, Andreas Kauba, Gerhard Mariarcher, Martin Hinterndorfer and Michael Marker) as well as Nikolaus Vogler and (PHKV Rechtsanwälte) and René Lipkovich (SLT Siart Lipkowvich & Team).
A co-production with brut Wien.
With the kind support of MA7 Kultur // BMKÖS // National Fund of the Republic of Austria.
Nesterval
Dates & Tickets
From the beginning of May, Nesterval will be showing the new production DIE NAMENLOSEN. A total of 25 performances are planned in Vienna. Presale starts on April 4th at 12:00 pm.
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm
Easy check-in is possible from 7:00 pm. After dropping off your wardrobe you can already get a drink at the bar. Check-in is possible until 7:45 pm, so that the show can start punctually at 8:00 pm. Attention: A late entry after 7:45 pm is not possible. Tickets cannot be refunded in case of late arrival.
The play lasts about 3 hours and is expected to end at 10:35 pm. The bar will be open afterwards until at least 11:30 pm.
The minimum age for this performance is 18 years. Photo identification may be requested at the time of admission. Persons 16 and older may come accompanied by a parent or guardian.
We ask that you do not bring large bags if possible. Coats and bags can be left at the checkroom.
Photography or filming is not permitted at any time.
Please note that this is a 3-hour performance with no seating, so we recommend comfortable footwear (no heels or open-toed shoes).
There is barrier-free access to the building. If you have specific questions about this, please email tickets@brut-wien.at.
May 2023
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
June 2023
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Doors Open: 7:00 pm / Start: 7:45 pm / 20€ (reduction brut annual ticket) / 25€ / 30€ / 45€ (VIP ticket) / Advance booking starts on 4 April at 12:00 pm
Around brut nordwest
Nordwestbahnstraße 8–10, 1200 Vienna
Event recommendations
Sööt/Zeyringer
Other Mother
Navaridas/Deutinger/Riegler
MOTORA
This Day is not Promised
brut all over Vienna
brut nordwest
accessible
Nordwestbahnstraße 8-10, 1200 Vienna
Subway: U1, U2 (Praterstern), U4 (Friedensbrücke), U6 (Dresdnerstraße) Tram: 5 (Nordwestbahnstraße) Bus: 5A (Wasnergasse)
brut at Zukunftshof
not accessible
Rosiwalgasse 41–43, 1100 Vienna
Subway: U1 (Alaudagasse), U6 (Am Schöpfwerk) / Suburban train: S60 (Blumental) / Bus: 16A (Indigoweg)
Around brut nordwest
Nordwestbahnstraße 8–10, 1200 Vienna
Subway: U1, U2 (Praterstern), U4 (Friedensbrücke), U6 (Dresdnerstraße) Tram: 5 (Nordwestbahnstraße) Bus: 5A (Wasnergasse)
Meeting point brut nordwest
Nordwestbahnstraße 8–10, 1200 Vienna
Subway: U1, U2 (Praterstern), U4 (Friedensbrücke), U6 (Dresdnerstraße) Tram: 5 (Nordwestbahnstraße) Bus: 5A (Wasnergasse)
Different venues around brut nordwest
Nordwestbahnstraße 8–10, 1200 Vienna
Subway: U1, U2 (Praterstern), U4 (Friedensbrücke), U6 (Dresdnerstraße) Tram: 5 (Nordwestbahnstraße) Bus: 5A (Wasnergasse)
brut at WUK Projektraum
not accessible
Währinger Straße 59, 1090 Vienna
U-Bahn: U6 (Währinger Straße / Volksoper), Tram: 40, 41, 42 (Währinger Straße / Volksoper), 5, 33 (Spitalgasse), 37, 38, 40, 41, 42 (Spitalgasse / Währinger Straße)
studio brut, Zieglergasse 25, 1070 Vienna
not accessible
Zieglergasse 25, 1070 Wien
Subway: U3 (Zieglergasse), Tram: 49 (Westbahnstraße / Zieglergasse)
brut nordwest – rehearsal space
not accessible
Nordwestbahnstraße 8-10, 1200 Vienna