In their new project, Johannes Müller and Philine Rinnert continue their work with a hybrid form of musical theatre. Aids Follies combines found footage, new compositions and popular culture. When they saw the exculpation of fabled Patient Zero Gaëtan Dugas once more covered by the media, they decided to direct their attention to AIDS and its meaning in terms of the repetition of stereotypes and national frontlines. Their “viral biography show” based on conversations with witnesses, researchers, doctors and activists exposes political manipulation and societal stereotypes. Composer Genoël von Lilienstern translates phenomena from the HI viral cycle into sound experiences and adds soundtracks to found artefacts, once in a while making reference to musical footage from the research phase.

Set designer Philine Rinnert and opera director Johannes Müller have been working together on musical theatre projects since 2009, focusing on the past, effects and techniques of opera, but also the entertainment industry, popular and queer culture. Their works were shown in such contexts as Sophiensæle Berlin, Kampnagel Hamburg and the Stuttgart State Opera.

Composer Genoël von Lilienstern works in the fields of instrumental composition, musical theatre and installation. His work, performed by renowned ensembles across the globe, ranges from orchestra pieces involving vintage synthesisers to feature-length musical theatre productions to solo pieces and experimental performances.