The Social Muscle Club “VIVA LA VIDA” Edition, is curated by Tatiana Saphir.
“Viva la Vida” can be translated as “Long Live Life”. Unfortunately, many people might only be familiar with the Coldplay song title and less with Frida Kahlo’s painting. It depicts a group of watermelons. She inscribed the title at the bottom of the middle watermelon in this painting that she created eight days before her death. In any case, it is an expression of hope, strength, and assertive drive. Frida might even have used it ironically, after a life of art and physical pain. Even if it seems naive or obvious, we need to say that in dark times such as now, celebrating life, uplifting our souls, healing, mourning, and just simply being together is more important than ever. Together with others, friends and strangers, even those with whom we don’t necessarily agree. Diversity is an essential ingredient of life. This edition aims to offer a space where unconditional offerings, conversations, performances, music, and dance co-exist and nurture. Life is a state to be cherished and taken care of.“ – Tatiana Saphir
The Social Muscle Club performance gathering has been alive since many years already. As any living creature, it changes, evolves, involves, and metamorphoses itself according to the times and the plurality of the people involved.
Building on the memories and spirit of the phenomenal curators and performers from last year, Social Muscle Club returns to the Heizhaus, Uferstudios, in full swing, presenting 4 editions in 2024.
Club 1, February 16: Tatiana Saphir
Club 2, April 26: Santiago Blaum and Arturo Lugo
Club 3, September 13: Grayson Millwood
Club 4, November 8: Nir de Volff
Social Muscle Club combines intimate performances, live music, and cabaret with a social game in a big party atmosphere. Need a hug? Maybe tax return support? Relationship advice or a magic mushroom smoothie while floating down a river with a friend? The aim of the game is to share something you need and something you have to give, and the resulting matches are celebrated with cheering, dancing, and debauchery!
Social Muscle Club is a worldwide phenomenon that originated in Berlin and has been staged in such places as the UK, South Africa, France, Australia, and Austria. “The Social Muscle Club has received an enormous response. The concept is far removed from the classic ideas of mediation. The aim is to intensify the interaction itself. SMC is consistently oriented towards the goal of participation, which is becoming a new urgency everywhere, even in traditional institutions. The playful removal of inhibitions means that all participants give each other gifts without knowing each other.” Best Practice Study, Creative Europe
Free entry, but registration is required here.