Overprotected

After 13 years under guardianship, iconic noughties pop star Britney Spears fought her way back to self-determination in 2021 - accompanied by the global #FreeBritney movement. The members of the HORA ensemble live under guardianship - their entire lives. Sometimes these carers are their parents, sometimes people who take on this task as a profession. This system is an honest attempt to give people the support they need, but it harbours a lot of potential for conflict. Where does care end and paternalism begin?

Based on Britney Spears' biography, her life as an artist and mother whose body became a media battleground, the performers at Theater HORA, together with Lea Whitcher and Stephan Stock, embark on a search for clues that is as intimate as it is spectacular. How can we find a pleasurable self-expression on stage, beyond social norms and expectations?

Britney Spears becomes our protective shield, our identification figure, our friend and counsellor and gives us the opportunity to reflect on our own desires and fantasies of freedom without losing sight of where protection is necessary and important.

Together with the Zurich band Pritney Beers and the HORA band, a dazzling burlesque pop music show about courage, tenderness and sexiness is created that liberates us all.

Supported by Béatrice Ederer-Weber Foundation, Elisabeth Weber Foundation, Ernst Göhner Foundation, Landis & Gyr Foundation, Canton of Zurich Department of Culture, Kulturpark Zürich-West, Migros Culture Percentage, Pro Helvetia, Rudolf and Romilda Kägi Foundation, City of Zurich Culture

Special thanks to Stiftung Züriwerk, Förderverein Theater HORA

Director/concept/dramaturgy/text/play: Lea Whitcher

Director/concept/dramaturgy/text/play: Stephan Stock

Acting/vocals: Frank Häusermann, Tiziana Pagliaro, Matthias Brücker, Lucas Maurer, Remo Beuggert

Musical direction/conducting HORA Band: Roli Strobel

Musical co-direction/music: Verena Ritzmann aka Vree

HORA Band: Enrico Rizzi, Lukas Seliger, Dario Zanni, Vree, Roli Strobel

Band Pritney Bears: Lea Whitcher, Jane Mumford, Marcel Grissmer

Directing spot: Cendrine Altmann

Costumes: Sophie Reble

Costume assistance: Ruth Wulffen

Costume shadowing: Lucy Lou Wartmann

Technical direction/lighting/evening technical support: Thomas Giger

Burlesque coach/choreographic support: Lulu Applecheeks

Theatre pedagogical responsibility: Anna Fierz

Theatre pedagogical support: Svenja Koch

Creation of subtitles: NN

Production management: Jörg Schwahlen

Overall management of Theatre HORA: Curdin Casutt